The couple who went viral after illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building for a marriage proposal has now appeared in court in New York. The pair are Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolaou, 33, who, according to U.S. authorities, are accused of a series of violations after unauthorized entry into one of the world’s most famous buildings.
In court after the July 1 climb
The two appeared in court in New York and were seen hugging and kissing in front of cameras after the hearing. During the public appearance, they stood beside each other and held hands, while they were represented in the courtroom by their lawyers.
The incident is linked to July 1, when the couple climbed the antenna of the Empire State Building, a structure that reaches about 443 meters in height. Their action drew major attention online, not only because of the danger involved, but also because of the symbolism they tried to give the scene.
Banner at the top and proposal on camera
During the climb, they unfurled a banner with the message: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Ivan Kuznetsov, known online by the pseudonym Ivan Beerkus for his activities as an urban climber, then went down on one knee and proposed to his partner. The two hugged and kissed at the top of the building in a scene that was later widely shared online.
Known for illegal climbs on tall structures
Kuznetsov and Nikolaou, who are of Russian origin, have become known online for posting videos of climbs on buildings and tall structures in different countries around the world.
Their story was also featured in the Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which has raised the couple’s public profile and media interest in their every move.
The charges and their defense
According to the authorities’ version, the couple faces charges including endangering others, burglary and causing damage. The full extent of their criminal liability is expected to become clearer as the court process continues.
For their part, they have defended their actions by presenting them as part of artistic activity. In a public statement, the couple said they respect the judicial process and accept the consequences of their choices.
The case has brought back into focus the debate over the boundary between public performance, fame on social media and breaking the law in high-risk spaces.
Beyond the romanticization the episode received online, the court case is expected to be measured against what actually carries legal weight: unauthorized entry, the risk created and the alleged damage.