DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES STAR SUES SHOW’S CREATOR

In a scenario reminiscent of those that take place on the fictional Wisteria Lane, actress Nicollette Sheridan is suing the creator of Desperate Housewives, claiming that he assaulted her and unfairly fired her from the hit show.

Sheridan (46) is demanding $20 million from openly gay producer Marc Cherry as well as from ABC Entertainment Group, ABC Studios and Touchstone Television.

According to court documents, the British born star is suing for wrongful termination; assault and battery; gender violence; discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and age; retaliatory termination; breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Sheridan claims that in September 2008, Cherry “forcefully hit her with his hand across her face and head” on set following an argument over the script that was being shot that day.

She says that after she complained about his behaviour to studio heads, her character, estate agent Edie Britt, was killed off and she was let go from the show after five seasons.

ABC Studios commented: “…we investigated similar claims made by Ms. Sheridan last year and found them to be without merit.”