Universal Studios has received a $250 fine from the city of Los Angeles for trimming the trees near the location of the ongoing picketing lines and strikes of actors and writers. The trees, which are on public property, are only supposed to be trimmed by the city and therefore, Universal was not allowed to touch them. The fine came after Universal trimmed them to seemingly take away areas of shade from the picketing actors and writers.

L.A. city controller said the fine of $250 is the highest amount allowed for a first-time offender.

INVESTIGATION 🌳 UPDATE:

StreetsLA has informed us that they are issuing a citation in the amount of $250 (first-time offense) to Universal Studios. The citation alleges a violation of trimming trees without a city permit.

Outdated laws limit penalties the City can issue. https://t.co/8ge7LElRao pic.twitter.com/T1jOWvXEB4

— LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia (@lacontroller) July 21, 2023

The move was seen as controversial due to the time of year– in the blistering summer sun of Los Angeles, taking away any shade available to picketers could widely be seen as a type of intimidation or a way to prevent them from picketing.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Writer’s Guild of America and the SAG-AFTRA have also accused NBC and Universal of attempting to suppress picketing efforts by blocking the sidewalks that they use.

Universal has not offered any comment about either claim.