Flowers, a candle and an emotional woman were spotted outside Nvidia’s headquarters shortly after the company announced Jensen Huang’s resignation, sparking widespread reactions online.
The unusual scene in Santa Clara, California, caught the attention of social media users, with some comparing it to a memorial gathering.
However, no tragedy had occurred. Nvidia had simply lost its most recognisable figure after Huang stepped down as president, chief executive officer and board member with immediate effect.
Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and spent more than three decades transforming the company from a graphics-chip manufacturer into a global powerhouse at the centre of the artificial intelligence boom.
The flowers and candle prompted questions about whether they were intended as a tribute to Huang or the company, while the sight of a woman appearing emotional outside the building added to the intrigue.
Social media users were divided between amusement and disbelief, with some questioning why people were leaving flowers outside the company’s headquarters as though someone had died.
One user joked that the flowers made the scene look like a grave outside the Nvidia sign, while another expressed disbelief at the apparent tribute.
Huang’s departure followed reports of alleged extramarital affairs involving the former Nvidia chief and other executives. He had acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife, Lori, in a message to Nvidia employees.
The company also launched an independent investigation into the allegations, saying it found no evidence that confidential information had been compromised.
Nvidia finance chief Colette Kress was appointed interim CEO as the company began its search for a successor.
