Nicollette Sheridan Sues Marc Cherry of ABC's Desperate Housewives

Nicollette Sheridan alleges that Marc Cherry 'forcefully hit her with his hand' during a rehearsal, then wrote her character off the show after she reported the incident to the network.

Photo: Nicollette Sheridan Sues Marc Cherry of ABC's Desperate Housewives

A former cast member of ABC's "Desperate Housewives" is suing the show's creator and producer, Marc Cherry, alleging he physically assaulted her, then killed off her character in the series in retaliation after she reported the assault to the network.

Nicollette Sheridan, who played Edie Britt until her character was written off the series in early 2009, alleged in the suit filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court that Cherry was dismissive and demeaning to her during filming. In September 2008, Cherry "took her aside and forcefully hit her with his hand across her face and head" during rehearsal after she asked him a question about the script, the suit alleged, Los Angeles Times reports.

Sheridan, whose character was killed off the show last year, is suing for $20 million, alleging assault and battery, gender violence and wrongful termination. She claims series creator Marc Cherry created a hostile work environment, "behaving in an extremely abusive and aggressive manner."

Sheridan, a Golden Globe nominee who played sexy Realtor Edie Britt, claims that Cherry directed his abuse at other cast and crew members, even at star Teri Hatcher after she went above his head to ABC executives.

"I hope Teri Hatcher gets hit by a car and dies," Cherry told Sheridan, according to the lawsuit, People Magazine informed.