Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang faces backlash as Taiwan businesses remove his photos

Jensen Huang, the co-founder and chief executive of chip-making giant Nvidia, is facing mounting personal and professional challenges that have dramatically altered his public standing in Taiwan, where he was previously treated as a celebrity entrepreneur.

The executive, whose company has become central to the global artificial intelligence boom, has been hit by a series of negative reports. Recent controversies include allegations of a relationship with a Chinese national accused of espionage, as well as reports of an alleged affair involving a female colleague at Nvidia. These developments have tarnished the image that made Huang a celebrated figure in Taiwan's tech community.

The shift in public sentiment has manifested in tangible ways across Taiwan. Business owners and establishments that once proudly displayed photographs of the Nvidia chief are now removing them from their premises. This move reflects a broader cooling of enthusiasm for Huang among Taiwanese consumers and business community members who had previously held him in high regard.

The contrast is stark. Huang previously enjoyed rockstar status during visits to Taiwan, where Nvidia's semiconductor expertise holds particular significance given the island's dominant position in chip manufacturing. However, the recent controversies have reversed this popularity, prompting a reassessment of his public image among those who once celebrated his business acumen and vision.