Nicollette Sheridan sues Desperate Housewives creator for assault

Nicollette Sheridan is taking legal action against the creator of Desperate Housewives, claiming he hit her and then fired her once she lodged a complaint

In what could be a storyline lifted straight from an episode of Desperate Housewives, the show's former star, Nicollette Sheridan, is taking legal action against its creator, claiming he hit her and then fired her, when she made complaint against his conduct.

Sheridan filed the lawsuit on Monday, claiming Marc Cherry hit her across the face, and then fired her, after she complained to ABC executives.

She alleges the incident happened during rehearsals in September 2008. The lawsuit explains: 'When Sheridan questioned Cherry about something that was in the script, Cherry took her aside and forcefully hit her with his hand across her face and head.'

Although he initially begged for forgiveness, the actress states his behaviour towards her got progressively more aggressive once she made a formal complaint. A few months later, in February 2009, it was announced that her character, Edie Britt, would be killed off. 

Sheridan is now suing for assault and battery and claiming $20 million, saying the action cost her, 'millions in future earnings.'

She states that Cherry consistently acted in an 'abusive and aggressive manner' on set, taking his anger out on the whole cast. Describing an incident with another of the show's leading ladies, Sheridan claims Teri Hatcher once went to TV execs regarding his behaviour, resulting in Cherry telling colleagues: 'I hope Teri Hatcher gets hit by a car and dies.'

Reacting to the lawsuit ABC Studios commented: 'While we have yet to see the actual complaint, we investigated similar claims made by Ms. Sheridan last year and found them to be without merit.'

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