Scandal Unveiled: NBCUniversal's Controversial Tree Trimming Sparks Investigation Amidst Hollywood Strike Picket Lines
NBCUniversal investigated for trimming trees near Hollywood strike picket lines, raising concerns about the impact on the ongoing strike by writers and actors in the industry
NBCUniversal is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles City Controller office for trimming trees near the picket line of Hollywood writers and actors who are on strike. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) authorized a strike in May, while the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) approved an actors' strike this month. Although writers and actors are from different unions, they are united in their strike efforts and have picket lines outside major studios.
According to TheWrap, LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia is investigating NBCUniversal after it trimmed trees near the picket line of writers and actors over the weekend. Striking members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA accuse NBCUniversal of removing shade from the road during California's hot summer by trimming the trees. Mejia's office is looking into whether NBCUniversal had the necessary permit to trim those particular trees.
Why Writers & Actors In Hollywood Are Currently On Strike
The current writers and actors strikes taking place in Hollywood are significant because they mark the first joint strike by the WGA and SAG in 63 years. Both organizations are demanding higher pay and residuals for streaming, which has become increasingly important with the surge in popularity of streaming services. Additionally, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are advocating for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of new films and TV shows.
As a result of the strike, production of television shows and movies has come to a halt for studios affiliated with the AMPTP, as they lack writers and actors to continue creating new content. However, SAG-AFTRA has granted approval for certain films to proceed with production during the strike, as long as they are not associated with the AMPTP. Among these approved productions are A24's Mother Mary and Death of a Unicorn, along with several others. It is important to note that the strikes are specifically targeting AMPTP studios and not independent production companies as a whole.
It is unclear whether NBCUniversal's decision to trim the trees was a response to the striking writers and actors or simply because the trees needed maintenance. However, the fact that Mejia's office is now investigating the studio's tree trimming suggests that the truth behind their decision may soon be revealed. Regardless, this move by NBCUniversal will make it harder for the striking writers and actors to negotiate fair contracts, as they now have to deal with the intense summer heat.
