Desperate Housewives Nicolette Sheridan Sues March Cherry

Former Desperate Housewives star Nicolette Sheridan has filed a lawsuit against ABC, ABC Studios, Touchstone Television and out series creator Marc Cherry for $20 million, claiming Cherry physically assaulted her and she was fired when she complained.

The complaint was filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court by attorneys Mark Baute and Patrick Maloney, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sheridan alleges Cherry struck her in the head in September, 2008 on the set of the show.

"After she complained to her employer about Cherry's improper behavior, Cherry arranged to have Sheridan terminated from the show, resulting in her losing millions in future earnings," the complaint says.

According to the complaint, Cherry apologized after the incident, but then arranged to have Sheridan's character Edie Britt killed off in a car accident. Sheridan claims when she complained to ABC, producers and the network did nothing.

Sheridan also alleges in the complaint that after an incident between Cherry and Housewives star Teri Hatcher, the show creator told Sheridan, "I hope Teri Hatcher gets hit by a car and dies."

In the complaint, Sheridan says being fired from the show cost her millions in future earnings. She says her compensation for the show was $175,000 an episode for her fifth year, $200,000 for her sixth season and $250,000 for her seventh.

In the seven count complaint, Sheridan alleges causes of action 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.

Cherry and representatives from ABC did not return The Hollywood Reporter's request for a comment.