Empire State Building Daredevils Speak Out Ahead of Court Date

The daredevil couple who made international headlines after scaling the Empire State Building and unfurling a massive banner from its antenna are speaking out for the first time as they prepare to return to court.

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, also known as Ivan Beerkus, sat down with ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Aaron Katersky in an interview that aired November 11, 2026, on Good Morning America. The couple discussed their controversial July stunt, the message they wanted to send to the world and the criminal charges they now face. With another court appearance scheduled for Thursday, November 12, the pair say they are prepared to accept responsibility for their actions.

Why the Couple Climbed the Empire State Building

The incident happened July 1, 2026, when Nikolau and Kuznetsov climbed the broadcast antenna atop the 1,454-foot Empire State Building in New York City. The couple, who have developed an international following for their high-risk skyscraper climbs and rooftop photography, managed to reach the building’s antenna without authorization.

Once at the top, they unfurled a black banner displaying the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The stunt was captured on video and livestreamed, quickly attracting attention across social media.

Kuznetsov also appeared to propose to Nikolau while they were on the building’s antenna. Images of the apparent proposal and an engagement ring subsequently circulated online. The couple’s climb was not simply a spontaneous visit to the observation deck. Investigators alleged that they had entered the building the previous evening and secretly remained inside overnight.

According to details in the criminal complaint, surveillance footage captured the pair moving through a hatch on the building’s 102nd floor around 5 a.m. Authorities also alleged that a lock on a restricted security door on the 104th floor had been broken to access the broadcast antenna.

Daredevils Acknowledge the Risks of Their Climb

During the interview with Katersky, Kuznetsov explained that the couple wanted to communicate a message to the world rather than focus on the potential consequences of their actions. “We didn’t think about it,” Kuznetsov told ABC News. “We think about how to show this message to the world. That’s it.” However, the couple acknowledged the extreme danger associated with climbing one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers.

Kuznetsov specifically warned others against attempting to recreate their stunt, emphasizing that the climb carried potentially deadly consequences. “We know how dangerous it is,” he said, adding that the couple had been participating in these activities for approximately 15 years. He also encouraged people to find other ways to express messages about love rather than attempting dangerous climbs.

Nikolau described the stunt as a form of performance art, explaining that the couple wanted to create something real rather than a staged moment. “This is performance,” Nikolau told ABC News.

Why Police Had to Wait Before Reaching the Couple

The climb created a significant safety challenge for responding authorities. According to the criminal complaint, the building’s broadcast antenna emitted high-frequency radio signals powerful enough to potentially harm the human body. As a result, authorities had to shut down the antenna before members of the New York Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit could safely approach the couple.

Investigators said first responders had to wait approximately 30 minutes for the antenna to power down before reaching the climbers. The incident also raised questions about security at the Empire State Building, particularly how two people allegedly managed to access restricted areas and reach the broadcast antenna. Authorities believed the couple may have observed building employees and used a worker entrance to bypass security screening.

Multiple Felony Charges Following the Arrest

Following the July 1 incident, Nikolau and Kuznetsov were taken into custody and faced multiple criminal charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. The charges included burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. The couple appeared in court July 2 and were released under supervised conditions. They did not enter a plea during that initial appearance.

Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, argued that prosecutors had overcharged the case and disputed the severity of the allegations. The couple subsequently returned to court on August 24. During that appearance, they learned that there had been no grand jury action in the case and were instructed to return September 29. The case has continued to draw attention because of the seriousness of the allegations and the international attention surrounding the original stunt.

Couple Says They Are Ready to Accept Responsibility

With their next court appearance approaching, Kuznetsov told Katersky that he and Nikolau understand they must face the consequences of their actions. He said the couple is prepared to take responsibility for what happened. When asked whether he believed he owed anyone an apology, Kuznetsov offered an unexpected response.

He said he believed they needed to apologize to the two police officers who attempted to reach them at the top of the building. He also praised the officers for their professionalism and kindness during the encounter. The couple, who are Russian nationals and have been living in the United States on talent visas, also expressed their hope that they will be able to remain in New York. Their immigration situation could become an additional concern as the criminal case moves forward.

What Happens Next in the Empire State Building Case?

Nikolau and Kuznetsov are scheduled to return to court Thursday, November 12, 2026, in Manhattan as the criminal proceedings continue. Their case has attracted worldwide attention, combining an extraordinary skyscraper stunt, a public display of affection and serious allegations involving unauthorized access to one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks.

Although the couple have described their actions as a performance intended to promote love and peace, prosecutors’ allegations raise separate questions about building security, public safety and the potential consequences of entering restricted areas.

For now, the couple say they are prepared to accept responsibility while hoping to continue their lives in the United States. The outcome of their upcoming court appearance could provide another important development in a case that began with a banner at the top of the Empire State Building and ended with two arrests.