After proposing atop the Empire State Building, famous couple faces charges in New York court

Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolaou, 33, appeared before a court in New York after illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building to propose marriage.

The couple, who are of Russian origin, are accused of endangering other people, burglary and causing damage. However, they have justified their actions by claiming that they are part of their artistic activity.

“Whatever happens in court, we respect the process and accept the consequences of our choices,” they said.

Kuznetsov and Nikolaou have not yet entered pleas of guilty or not guilty. The next hearing in the case will be held on September 29.

During their brief court appearance, the two stood next to each other holding hands. They were wearing black leather jackets and jeans, while their lawyers represented them in court.

After the hearing ended, the couple hugged and kissed in front of cameras and photographers.

On July 1, they climbed the antenna of New York’s famous skyscraper, which reaches a height of around 443 meters. During the climb, they unfurled a banner bearing the message: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

At the top of the building, Kuznetsov, who is also known by the pseudonym Ivan Beerkus for his urban climbing activities, got down on one knee to propose to his partner. They then hugged and kissed.

Known for their illegal climbs of buildings and tall structures in different parts of the world, Kuznetsov and Nikolaou have attracted attention online for the videos they post of these adventures. Their story was also featured in the Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.”