A petition demanding the reinstatement of recently ousted Nvidia chief executive officer Jensen Huang has attracted more than 115,000 signatures as of Saturday afternoon. The growing online campaign highlights significant support from both within the chipmaking giant and across the broader technology sector.
Broad Support from Employees and Industry Leaders
The petition website indicates that the signatories include 5,965 current Nvidia employees, 1,108 former employees, and 63,063 shareholders. Prominent supporters lending their names to the cause include Tesla and SpaceX chief executive officer Elon Musk, Replit chief executive officer Amjad Masad, Epic Games chief executive officer Tim Sweeney, and Y Combinator chief executive officer Garry Tan.
Demands for Fair Investigation and Due Process
The petition outlines that its signers are deeply concerned that Jensen Huang was removed without meaningful due process. It formally demands that the board bring him back while an independent investigation establishes the facts. Furthermore, the document calls on the board to ensure a completely fair investigation and to provide greater transparency and information to the public.
Emphasizing the urgency of fair treatment, the petition notes that Jensen Huang deserves due process rather than mob justice.
Background Leading to Resignation and Investigation
Jensen Huang resigned on Thursday, which came four days after he confessed to having an affair with a chip executive suspected by United States intelligence of operating as a Chinese spy. The former chief executive has agreed to testify before Congress, and subsequent news reports have also suggested that he engaged in multiple extramarital affairs.
Interim Leadership and Market Repercussions
In response to the sudden departure, Nvidia appointed chief financial officer Colette Kress as the company’s interim chief executive officer while a search for a permanent replacement is underway. Nvidia’s stock price fell sharply throughout the week, and industry experts note that Huang's departure is expected to leave a massive gap in AI startup funding.
