A former employee of Abercrombie & Fitch has filed a lawsuit claiming he was forced to conduct sexual acts at a photo shoot in order to look more "relaxed."

Benjamine Bowers claims that the casting director of the retailer sent him to a modeling agent, Brian Hilburn, who made him take off his clothes and pleasure himself in front of the camera.

Bowers is filing the suit for US$1 million (S$1.27 million), British media reported Sunday.

At the photo shoot, which allegedly took place June 17, 2011, Hilburn persuaded him into the act, saying relaxed features were needed for a modeling portfolio.

The lawsuit alleges that Hilburn went on to make suggestive comments afterwards, exposing his own private parts.

Bowers "feels used and believes the photos were never intended to help his career," according to TMZ.

Abercrombie has been accused in the past of racial and religious discrimination against its employees and of forcing employees to use its products.