‘Why kick someone when they’re down?’ Taiwan divided over Jensen Huang’s downfall

Taiwan-born former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, once a revered figure in his birthplace, has experienced a significant tarnishing of his image and reputation amid scandalous revelations of two extramarital affairs. The Taiwanese public, who have long admired Huang for his affable persona and chatty nature, are now questioning his character following the disclosure of these incidents.

Ivan Liang, a 28-year-old import distributor, expressed shock at Huang's actions, stating, "I thought he had the persona of a devoted husband, and it turns out he's kind of a scumbag." Leo Fu, a 42-year-old import distributor, also noted a change in perception, saying, "I feel like that image of him has probably taken a hit in the eyes of the general public in Taiwan."

Even among those who hold fond memories of Huang, such as dessert shop owner Jane Hsieh, the scandal has left a lingering impact. Despite her changed feelings, Hsieh chose not to remove the photos of her interactions with Huang from her shop, reflecting the complexity of public opinion surrounding the scandal. The affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy has also raised concerns about Huang's judgment and the impact of the scandal on Taiwan's economy.

While some are more troubled by the possible economic fallout, they acknowledge that Huang's newfound image could change public perception.