Hatcher hits back over cosmetics lawsuit

Teri Hatcher has hit back at a cosmetics company that is suing her, insisting that she did not breach the terms of her contract with the firm.

Hydroderm accused the Desperate Housewives star of promoting rival beauty firms, despite being paid $2.4 million (£1.2 million) to solely advertise its products.

The lawsuit that was filed on Tuesday said: "Hatcher's name, image and likeness have been linked to so many competitors' products that it is anyone's guess as to what product keeps her skin and lips youthful."

Hydroderm has asked to be reimbursed for unspecified damages, its legal costs and the sum paid to Hatcher.

But Hatcher has responded to the company by insisting that its claims are "totally false and completely without merit".

The actress claimed that she is the victim of the deal because she was never sure of the terms of her contract.

A statement from Hatcher's lawyer said: "Clearly, Hydroderm has embarked on this unjustified and public assault on Teri Hatcher's good name, reputation and celebrity in a transparent and pathetic effort to distract from its own failure to live up to its end of the agreement.

"Ms. Hatcher will respond swiftly and decisively by appropriate legal means to recover everything she is owed under her contract, as well as compensatory and punitive damages for Hydroderm's outrageous accusations."