I've read something similiar once, when some writer mentioned, he wouldnt read any stories, because he didnt want his style be "tainted", but keeping it personal and unique.
I get the idea, I really do, but I also think, that's really not how one should approach these things.
I have the personal view, that it's important to read as much as possible, so you'll be inspired by the stories of other people, but at the same time, be aware of other's mistake. And with inspired I dont mean just mean copying something. Giving a certain idea/element/twist a personal note, to make it yours.
I remember an interview between Togashi and Oda, where Oda talked that he liked how Togashi finished the Chimera Ant Arc and got ideas by this for One Piece. That's something what I mean by being inspired.