Nicollette Sheridan Claims 'Housewives' Creator Assaulted Her

Thing are typically feisty on screen each week as ABC's 'Desperate Housewives' chronicles the sordid exploits of Wisteria Lane, but things sound equally explosive behind the scenes with former cast member Nicollette Sheridan claiming the show's creator, Marc Cherry, assaulted her before giving her the axe, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Sheridan's 'Desperate Housewives' character Edie Britt was suddenly killed off last year, a situation which led to gossip and rumor spreading around the tabloids following a nixed interview with the LA Times and a supposedly unauthorized tell all with TV Guide.

Now comes a lawsuit, filed by Sheridan, alleging that Cherry "forcefully hit her with his hand across the face and head" after the actress questioned a script element.

ABC was quick to say, "while we have yet to see the actual complaint, we investigated similar claims made by Ms. Sheridan late last year and found them to be without merit."

TMZ reports that Sheridan is suing for upwards of $20 million. 

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