Nicole Richie has hit back at claims she has ever suffered from an eating disorder, calling the accusations “unfair”.

The Simple Life star sparked concern in 2006 when she was photographed looking painfully skinny on a beach in Los Angeles.

Nicole, the best friend of Paris Hilton, also dropped down to a size zero shortly before becoming pregnant with her first child, Harlow, who was born 2008.

In an interview with Marie Claire, she said: “I felt it was a little unfair to say someone has an eating disorder when they don’t.

"It’s extremely insulting and irresponsible. An eating disorder is serious and it’s a disease.”

Nicole, who has always maintained that she struggles to put on weight, said she now tries to ignore comments about her appearance.

Looking ahead to 2010, Nicole said that she was planning to produce and star in a new sitcom.

Nicole Richie - Too Skinny?