Lawyer: Nicollette Sheridan "Compelled" to Sue "Abusive" Marc Cherry
Credit: Charley Gallay/WireImage.com
A lawyer for Nicollette Sheridan is speaking about her $20 million suit against Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, whom she claims hit her in the face on the set and then fired in retaliation for complaining about him. (Cherry has yet to comment; ABC Studios says Sheridan's claims are "without merit.")
In a statement, Sheridan's attorney Mark Baute tells UsMagazine.com: "Nicollette worked very hard on the show and was a model employee. Mr. Cherry's behavior towards Nicollette was and is nothing short of abusive and appalling.
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"The lawsuit is not something Nicollette wanted to do, it's something she felt compelled to do. "Nicollette asked ABC for help and protection from Mr. Cherry's abusive behavior, and ultimately, ABC was not willing or able to provide that protection.
"Sometimes the only way that a safe and normal work environment can be created is when a hard-working person like Nicollette stands up for herself and her rights, and in doing so help protect others who have had to work in a hostile environment.
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"We expect the case to be hard fought, and it will not be a surprise if ABC and Mr. Cherry try to depict Nicollette to be something other than a team player and long-standing industry professional.
"She put her heart and soul into the role of the Edie character, a character that she truly enjoyed playing."
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21you have to stand up for what you believe in GF
It has not been very long, really. As with any abusive situation, the victim believes for a long time that it was something they did wrong. It is usually not until much later, long after they have been removed from the situation and have had a chance to seek counselling and speak to people about the experience, that it sinks in that maybe it was NOT their fault, and that maybe it was the other party who did something wrong. Just because a successful producer and network show is involved does not mean this didn't happen. I don't know what Marc Cherry had against her, but I believe she was treated very differently from the others. The fact that she is willing to put herself out there and most likely be blacklisted for it says alot.
Why did she wait 1-2 years??? i think she needs money....
Me thinks that Nicolette is a high maintenance has been. Sour grapes anyone.
Getting herself "blacklisted in Hollywood" seems to be a risk she is willing to take, which is a good indicator she's telling the truth. No actress would put themselves in this position for made-up lies.
Now, Nicollete Sheridan is going to get herself BLACKLISTED in Hollywood and rightfully so.
OOPS -- I should have specified that ITA with Kristy 3:26 pm.
This is just sour grapes by Nicolette. She's mad that her character was not at the forefront of the show. She was very vocal, even before they killed of Edie, that she felt that was being treated differently than the others. She's not the first or only character to be killed off or released from the show. But she is the only one claiming any type of mis treatment. What a jerk.
@ Kristy -- ITA. Nicolette Sheridan is a talented actress and her character, Edie Britt was the most entertaining. She was the only reason I watched and have not tuned in since she left. Come to think of it, I tend to believe this happened. There was no other reason to kill off the only really interesting character on the show. The rest are just silly, stupid parodies of themselves.
Sounds like a midlife crisis of a has been actress that can't land any more gigs, so why not sue to make an easy buck? Ridiculous. If this really happened than she would have sued and brought it to the public's attention right when it happened, not wait until over a year after the 'incident.' I hope they countersue her for defamation and take her to the cleaners for whatever little she may have.
She NEVER went to the police. If the man assaulted her - you go to the police. Obviously, Nicollete Sheridan spent ALL her money, is now broke and she thinks she can hit the jackpot with this ridiculous lawsuit. SHERIDAN SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THE ACCUSED LAWYERS FEES WHEN THIS IS OVER. She's a witch.
I find it "disgusting and alarming" that someone in the US is already judging that this guy is guilty based solely on an accusation.
Well, have any of the other stars of the show been "abused" by him?? I don't get why she didn't come out with this a long time ago. Hopefully, she has proof/witnesses. Otherwise, I don't see her winning this unless he just pays her off to keep quiet...I don't know what's true at this point.
I'd like to hear from the other women...or someone else who was on the show and isn't now.
I don't think she's making this up. It's too risky to start an action like this considering the potential backlash. I wish her the best of luck. Harassment has to stop in the workplace for men and women. It's disturbing and disgusting that Sheridan was hit by this man. Really disgusting and alarming.
I think this whole lawsuit is ridiculous!
good for her...stick to your guns
And she is just now suing...she has been written off the show for over a year now...sounds like she needs some money since she is out of a job!!
Edie Brit was the best and most entertaining Desperate Housewife. Susan is the most annoying and they could of killed her off instead why Edie, why? Mark Cherry you tool.
Sounds kinda fishy...