Desperate Housewives Happy On Set

Desperate Housewives Happy On Set

The 'Desperate Housewives' cast insist they do not work in a "hostile environment".

Lead actresses Teri Hatcher, MARCIA CROSS, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria Parker have spoken out amid allegations made by former co-star Nicollette Sheridan - who is suing creator Marc Cherry for $20 million after claiming he slapped her and she was axed from the drama series after complaining - insisting they have "no first-hand knowledge" of the September 2008 incident.

The quartet released a statement saying: "It would be irresponsible of us to let the public believe that being a part of this show from its inception has been anything but a blessing.

"We have no first-hand knowledge of what Nicollette may or may not have experienced, but we would never characterise our set as a hostile environment.

"It is, in fact, the opposite. The friendships and support that Marc Cherry, the cast, the crew and the producers have shared for the past six years have made this a wonderful job that we are grateful for every day."

In her lawsuit - which was filed last week - Nicollette claimed during a conversation with Marc, he had blasted one of her co-stars saying: "I hope Teri Hatcher gets hit by a car and dies."

Teri - who plays Susan Delfino in the show - has now released a separate statement expressing her "concern" at being mentioned in the lawsuit.

The statement read: "It is unfortunate and inappropriate that her attorneys have drawn the other 'Housewives' and Teri, specifically mentioned by name, into this action. The use of Teri's name in Ms. Sheridan's claim was unauthorised."

Teri added: "While my adoration and respect for the classic and dynamic chemistry of the characters of Susan and Edie is indelible, I'm honoured to stand with Eva, Felicity and Marcia as a group and clarify that our set environment is nothing less than an amazingly positive experience. I have never felt discriminated against. In fact, I have felt heard and respected by Marc and other executives in regards to both my professional and personal needs."