The father of a white nationalist protestor has publicly disowned his son in an emotional open letter published on Monday.

Pearce Tefft's son, Peter, was among the group of far-right demonstrators who took to the streets of Charlottesville, Virgina, last weekend.

The rally quickly turned violent after the group clashed with counter-protestors, resulting in the death of one woman who was killed after a car ploughed into a crowd of people.

Pearce was prompted to write his statement after his youngest son was identified through a number of photos and interviews that appeared across social media.

In the letter, posted on inforum.com, he wrote:

“I, along with all of his siblings and his entire family, wish to loudly repudiate my son’s vile, hateful and racist rhetoric and actions. We do not know specifically where he learned these beliefs. He did not learn them at home.”

“I have taught all of my children that all men and women are created equal. That we must love each other all the same.”

“Evidently Peter has chosen to unlearn these lessons, much to my and his family’s heartbreak and distress. We have been silent up until now, but now we see that this was a mistake.”

The devastated father then went on to explain his decision to disown his son, saying he was no longer welcome at family gatherings.

“I pray my prodigal son will renounce his hateful beliefs and return home. Then and only then will I lay out the feast.”

“Why must we be guilty by association?,” he added.

Other members of Peter's extended family have publicly condemned his actions and have even asked him to change his name.

His nephew, Jacob Scott Weiber wrote on Facebook: “For anybody who is looking at my Facebook account because they found me through my nazi uncle, Peter Tefft, I would like it to be known that I have nothing to do with him, I utterly repudiate him, and I repudiate his vile nazi ideology.”

"Peter, if you are reading this, PLEASE CHANGE YOUR NAME IMMEDIATELY.”

You can read Pearce Tefft's letter in full here.