Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of Hong Kong-based newspaper Apple Daily, has reportedly been expelled from his family clan for supporting rioters and bringing chaos to Hong Kong, local media reported.

Lai, whose ancestral home is Shunde in South China's Guangdong Province, was cast out from the family clan for actions that brought chaos to Hong Kong and shame to his family, Hong Kong-based Ta Kung Pao newspaper reported Sunday, citing an online statement allegedly from Lai's family clan.

"From now on, what Chee-ying does has nothing to do with the Lai family of Shunde!" read the statement quoted by the newspaper.

Lai has been accused of supporting violent Hong Kong protesters.

About 20 people gathered in front of Lai's residence in Kowloon on Sunday, calling Lai a national traitor and demanding he get out of Hong Kong, according to a separate Ta Kung Pao report on Monday.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly met Lai in July, leading to accusations that he was working with foreign forces.

Lai was also spotted on August 3 meeting with "a foreign man in a restaurant," saying "Welcome to HK and well done with the situation!" the pro-establishment Ta Kung Pao newspaper reported.

Ta Kung Pao also said that Apple Daily is not only increasingly discrediting the country and Hong Kong, but also banging the drum for rioters, leading protests and providing cover for rioters.

Global Times