Desperate Housewives actresses (L-R) Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Marcia Cross arrive at the 2011 National Council of La Raza ALMA Awards in Santa Monica, California September 10, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - The creator of "Desperate Housewives" says he felt awkward and cautious around Nicollette Sheridan after a dispute in which the actress claims he struck her head.

Marc Cherry told jurors in Sheridan's wrongful termination civil trial that he watched his words around her and kept tabs on a human resources investigation of the incident through a key confidante.

Cherry claims he merely tapped the actress for artistic direction during their discussion in September 2008, but the actress says she was hit hard and the blow left her stunned and humiliated.

After Cherry was cleared by ABC executives, he informed series stars Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman that Sheridan's role would be cut. He told jurors that decision had been made in May, months before his spat with the actress.