Ivan Kuznetsov and Angela Nikolau, the daring couple who recently clambered to the top of the Empire State Building without safety equipment, have opened up about their audacious stunt during a recent interview on *Good Morning America*. The July 1 escapade, which culminated in a marriage proposal, has since led to their arrest and subsequent felony charges, raising questions about the limits of artistic expression.
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The couple spoke with ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Aaron Katersky in an episode that aired on November 11. While they defended their climb as a creative statement, they also acknowledged the inherent risks involved, stating they were willing to put their lives on the line for their message. However, when questioned about their marital status, their attorney promptly interjected, diverting the attention back to the subject of their legal troubles.
During the climb, Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau, capturing the moment live for their audience. Despite the romantic nature of their ascent, the couple revealed that any immediate plans for a wedding have been postponed due to their current legal situation. “No wedding. No plan for wedding now, sorry,” Kuznetsov explained, while Nikolau echoed this sentiment, stating that their emotional focus is firmly on the courtroom, rather than romantic ceremonies.
This daring ascent was not isolated; Kuznetsov and Nikolau have built a following through previous high-risk stunts, which are detailed in their 2024 Netflix documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*. Their history of climbing dangerous heights has captured public intrigue, but their recent actions have led to serious legal ramifications. Following their illegal climb, they have faced charges such as felony burglary and reckless endangerment.
According to reports, the couple entered the Empire State Building by purchasing tickets the day before and allegedly hid inside overnight. Security footage allegedly captured the moment they accessed the building’s broadcast antenna. Additionally, a criminal complaint suggests that they had tampered with a lock on a security door, escalating their legal troubles significantly.
Upon reaching the top, they unfurled a banner that read: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Kuznetsov explained that their motivation was simply to share this message with the world, underscoring a passion for their craft that goes beyond mere thrills. “We didn’t think about it. We think about how to show this message to all the world. That’s it,” he stated.
However, both were aware of the extreme hazards posed by their climb. When asked if they were prepared to face the possibility of death for their art, they responded affirmatively. “If I skip my mission, it’s not interesting for me to wake up every day,” Nikolau admitted. Kuznetsov further cautioned others against attempting similar stunts, acknowledging the elevated dangers and suggesting that they seek safer alternatives for self-expression.
Despite the thrill and publicity surrounding their climb, Kuznetsov and Nikolau are now grappling with the serious nature of their charges. “We didn’t want to make a crime, but we are ready to take responsibility for what we did,” Kuznetsov stated, expressing regret particularly toward the police officers involved who, he noted, acted with professionalism during the incident.
Currently, the couple, both 32 and 33 years old respectively, are in the United States on talent visas and are preparing for their court date on November 12. Their attorney has indicated that discussions with prosecutors regarding a potential resolution to their case are ongoing.
Despite the uncertainty of their future in New York, where they believe they can best pursue their artistic aspirations, both Kuznetsov and Nikolau remain hopeful. Their commitment to their craft remains steadfast, even in light of the legal challenges that loom ahead.
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