Cherry 'slapped Sheridan as part of scene'

Nicollette Sheridan was slapped by Marc Cherry but only as he showed her how to stage a scene, according to insider claims.

The Desperate Housewives actress has since filed a lawsuit against the show's creator alleging that she was struck by Cherry and later fired for registering a complaint against him.

Sheridan has now reportedly had her allegations corroborated by an unnamed member of the cast - although they insisted that the incident did not call for legal action.

"Marc did slap Nicollette; I was there and I saw it," the source told E! Online. "Nicollette was trying to slap somebody for a scene, and she couldn't get it right."

Cherry is said to have intervened to direct the star, demonstrating "a slap" on her.

"But I have to say it was his hand barely on her head; it sure didn't seem to me to merit the suit she has filed," they added.

> 'Housewives' crew 'doubt Sheridan claim'