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Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposal

Created at 2 Jul · 4:55 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A couple known for their daredevil stunts, featured in a Netflix documentary, were charged with felonies including reckless endangerment and burglary after scaling the Empire State Building's antenna for a marriage proposal. The pair, Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, unfurled a banner promoting peace and love before descending and being apprehended by authorities.

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Key Numbers

1,454 feetheight above midtown Manhattan
1,250 feetheight climbed by Emergency Services Unit officers
2024year of Netflix documentary release

Who's Involved

Angelina Nikolau
charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb
Ivan Kuznetsov
charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb
Jason Krinsky
attorney for Nikolau and Kuznetsov
Jared Leto
actor who previously climbed to the antenna base

↳ Why This Matters

The incident highlights the risks associated with extreme stunts and the legal consequences for individuals who endanger themselves and others by accessing restricted areas of prominent landmarks. It also brings attention to the individuals' past exploits and their portrayal in popular media.

Key facts

  • Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov climbed the Empire State Building's antenna.
  • They unfurled a banner promoting love and peace.
  • The climb was for a marriage proposal.
  • The couple was charged with felonies including reckless endangerment and burglary.
  • They were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary 'Skywalkers: A Love Story'.

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, known for their daredevil stunts and featured in the Netflix documentary 'Skywalkers: A Love Story,' have been charged with felonies following their climb up the Empire State Building's antenna. Prosecutors stated at their arraignment that the couple ascended the broadcast antenna, reaching a height of 1,454 feet, to unfurl a banner promoting love and peace as part of a marriage proposal. Nikolau, 33, and Kuznetsov, 32, who also go by the aliases Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, were apprehended by police after descending to a lower ledge. Authorities found a broken lock on a restricted-access door on the 104th floor, granting access to the antenna. The couple's attorney, Jason Krinsky, commented on the proposal, stating, 'What a way to propose — something you can only dream of.' They were released without bail, in accordance with New York law.

Frequently asked questions

They face felonies including reckless endangerment and burglary, among other charges.

The couple stated the climb was to do something special for their engagement and unfurled a banner about love and peace.

They ascended to the building's broadcast antenna, 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan.

It is a 2024 Netflix documentary that follows Nikolau and Kuznetsov's 'rooftopping' exploits and romance.

What Happens Next

01Prosecutors will provide evidence to the defense.
02The defense will assess the evidence and determine next steps.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov scaled the Empire State Building's antenna.
The couple unfurled a banner reading 'When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace'.
Nikolau posted images of the stunt and a marriage proposal on social media.
Police intercepted the climbers after powering down the antenna.
Nikolau and Kuznetsov were charged with felonies including reckless endangerment and burglary.
The couple was released without bail.

Sources

T1
Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposalAP News

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