Media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying says he refused an award from a dissident group because he wanted to remain independent in his anti-communist crusade.
The Chinese Democratic Foundation in San Francisco had wanted to honour the founder of the Apple Daily newspaper and Next magazine as an 'outstanding democrat'.
Publications of the rival Oriental Press Group, headed by Ma Ching-kwan, reported that Mr Lai had said he did not accept the award because 'he is a businessman, not a democrat'.
But Mr Lai last night denied he had made such a comment.
Rather, he said, he did not want to be aligned with outside bodies in his 'fight' for democracy in Hong Kong. 'I'm a media man, so I should keep my independence,' said the garment tycoon turned publisher.
Mr Lai released a letter which he said was sent to the foundation to explain his refusal.