ABC has responded defensively to a scathing expose by New York's Vanity Fair magazine of the network's "Desperate Housewives" stars.

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The magazine's contributing editor Ned Zeman wrote it took 100 "primpers" to ready the TV show's five divas for a simple poolside cover shoot that, nevertheless, degenerated into an obscenity-laced, tear-soaked episode, TVGuide.com said Tuesday.

Marcia Cross reportedly became enraged at Terri Hatcher for allegedly hogging the spotlight with a risque red bathing suit, eventually yelling expletives at ABC staffers and finally, in a pique of rage, tearing off her wig to reveal a memorable scar.

Somewhere along the way Hatcher broke into tears.

ABC issued the following statement: "Our talent were made to deal as best they could with a situation not of their making. This one isolated incident does not define these women or their relationship(s)."

The relevant Vanity Fair issue goes on sale April 12.