Terry Richardson Sexual Harassment Scandal: Internet is 'Little Cancer' Says Fashion Photographer

Fashion Photographer Terry Richardson has denied allegations of sexual harassment, describing the internet as "out of control" and a "little cancer".

In New York Magazine, Richardson defended himself against claims that he forced several young models to perform sexual acts on him during photo shoots.

"When people call me a paedophile and f*****g bull***t, that's a horrible thing to say about someone," he said.

The photographer claims it was "never just me and a girl ever" during the shoots. "It was always assistants, or other people around, or girls brought friends over to hang out," he added.

"It was daytime, no drugs, no alcohol. It was a happening, there was energy, it was fun, it was exciting, making these strong images, and that's what it was. People collaborating and exploring sexuality and taking pictures."

"I don't have any regrets about the work at all. But obviously I don't ever want someone to feel like that. It was never my intention," he added.

"But also, people do things, and then they have regrets, and that's also nothing to do with me. Then don't do pictures like that again... I'm okay with myself about everything, and that to me is the most important thing."

Richardson has been the subject of controversy over claims of sexual harassment since 2010, when model Jamie Peck said he coerced her into performing a sexual act on him during a shoot. Other models have come forward with allegations of their sessions with "Uncle Terry", including Rie Rasmussen and Jenna Sauers.

This week, it was reported by the Independent that a writer and stylist, known only as Anna, was 23 when she was allegedly the target of the photographer's unwanted sexual advances.

Writing to Jezebel, Anna said Richardson had pressed his penis against her face during the shoot. "He pressed it to my lips," she said. "He clearly wanted a blow job and wanted it documented on camera."

Known for his sexualised work, Richardson has worked with Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair and Harper's Bazaar, as well as shooting campaigns for Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurant and Marc Jacobs.

In response to allegations made, the social media campaign to boycott the photographer called #NoMoreTerry was set up. US Vogue confirmed it had "no plans" to work with Richardson again, in the wake of a British model accusing the photographer of offering to shoot her for the magazine in exchange for sex.

In March, Richardson penned an open letter that blamed the internet for "gossip and false accusations".