Nicolette Sheridan files $20 million lawsuit against Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, alleging physical/emotional abuse

In a story that practically begs lazy entertainment writers to quip that the real drama over at Desperate Housewives is happening behind the scenes, Nicolette Sheridan has filed a $20 million lawsuit against show creator Marc Cherry claiming that he generally fostered an abusive atmosphere, and that he smacked her in the face, then had her fired when she complained. Sheridan 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.

Whoa, it sounds like the real drama over at Desperate Housewives is happening behind the scenes. (Thanks to Bruce Villanch for punching up the final line of this Newswire post.)