An L.A. judge on Thursday called claims made in a lawsuit by skin care maker Hydroderm against Teri Hatcher “character assassination” of the “worst kind” and has delayed the company’s motion to start depositions in the case.

Hydroderm sued Hatcher Tuesday, claiming she has endorsed a competing lip-plumping cream and thus owed them the $2.4 million that they had paid her to exclusively promote their products. The company alleges that Hatcher, 42, promoted City Cosmetics’ lip-enhancing product in violation of their agreement.

In a statement released Wednesday, Hatcher denied any wrongdoing. “The allegations of this lawsuit are totally false and completely without merit,” she said.

Hatcher’s attorneys argue that the Desperate Housewives star has not breached her endorsement agreement, stating in court papers: “Ms. Hatcher has not entered into any agreement with any other cosmetic or skincare companies … Ms. Hatcher has done absolutely nothing wrong and has been ready, willing, able and eager to perform.”

In denying Hydroderm’s motion to proceed with discovery, L.A. Superior Court Judge Helen Bendix said that the insinuations raised in court by Hydroderm about Ms. Hatcher were “character assassination” of the “worst kind.”

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