Desperate Housewives Trial: Nicollette Sheridan Endures Grueling Cross Examination

Radar Staff

March 2 2012, Published 5:00 a.m. ET

By Jen Heger - RadarOnline.com Legal Editor

Nicollette Sheridan endured a grueling cross examination on the stand Friday during the second day of testimony in her lawsuit against ABC and Desperate Housewives creator, Marc Cherry for wrongful termination and battery.

The former star of the hit show, which is now in its final season, admitted on cross examination that she harbored frustration with Cherry before the day he allegedly hit her. Sheridan says that she spoke with writers for the show on multiple occasions and told them that she wanted her character, Edie Britt to have more "funny lines," but that Cherry refused.

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"Marc (Cherry) didn't give Edie the time and attention she deserved," Sheridan said on the witness stand.

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Sheridan, 48, claims in her lawsuit that she was fired from the show after going to executives and alleging that Cherry had hit her -- a charge he vehemently denies.

On Thursday, Sheridan vividly recounted the day that Cherry allegedly assaulted her, "I'm not accustomed to being hit," Sheridan said with tears in her eyes. “You hit me in the head! That is not OK. That is not OK."

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According to Sheridan’s lawsuit, Cherry went to Sheridan's trailer after the incident begging for forgiveness. "I'm on bended knee begging for your forgiveness," Sheridan said Marc told her, telling her he would change the script to her specifications. Sheridan did return to the set to film the scene and said she did so because, "I pride myself on being a professional. I wasn't going to let everybody else down."

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Desperate Housewives cast members are on ABC & Cherry's witness list, including Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, and Felicity Huffman. Cherry is also expected to take the stand in his defense. Among Sheridan's planned witnesses are the former ABC president, a former ABC studio executive, and several former producers of the show.

The trial is expected to last 11 days and the judge ruled that Sheridan will only be able to attempt to reclaim one year's salary, $4 million, and not compensation for the show's full run. The jury doesn't need to come to a unanimous verdict because this is civil court.

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