Daredevil couple Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau, who allegedly scaled the Empire State Building on July 1 to announce their engagement, appeared in a Manhattan court on Monday to face criminal charges. The pair, described as Netflix stars, are charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.
Prosecutors allege that Kuznetsov, 32, and Nikolau, 33, broke a lock on a 104th-floor security door to access restricted areas. The stunt, which involved them holding a sign and wearing masks at the summit of the New York City landmark, was intended to mark their engagement. Nikolau was reportedly seen displaying a ring from nearly 1,500 feet above the city.
NYPD bodycam footage showed officers confronting the couple, who appeared to be unharnessed, atop the skyscraper. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Following their arrest, Nikolau posted on Instagram that they believed in "those who refused to accept existing boundaries as final" and took risks. She added that they would "respect the process and accept the consequences of our choices."
Outside the courthouse on Monday, Kuznetsov and Nikolau were seen kissing and embracing as they exited, surrounded by reporters. When asked about the situation, Nikolau stated, "Everything can be taken, except this."
The couple's attorney declined to comment on the case. The proceedings have been adjourned until September.
