The son of slain Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi says no settlement discussions have taken place and suggested that financial compensation to the family did not amount to an admission of guilt by Saudi rulers.

Salah Khashoggi described King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as "guardians to all Saudis."

"Acts of generosity and humanity come from the high moral grounds they possess, not admission of guilt or scandal," he said in a statement on Twitter on Wednesday.

On April 1, the Washington Post reported the writer's children were given "blood money" in the form of million-dollar homes and monthly payments after Khashoggi's killing by Saudi agents in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year.

The Post, quoting Saudi officials speaking anonymously, reported the payments were approved by King Salman.