Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau appear in court for charges following their viral Empire State Building engagement stunt.
Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau appeared in a New York court on Monday to face criminal charges following their high-profile stunt on the Empire State Building. The couple, who live in East Orange, New Jersey, scaled the landmark's spire on July 1 to announce their engagement, facing charges of reckless endangerment, burglary, and criminal mischief. Prosecutors allege they broke a lock on a 104th-floor security door to access the broadcasting antenna, where they unfurled a banner and shared a kiss. Defense attorney Jason Krinsky argued that the case was overcharged, noting that the stunt did not place building occupants or visitors at risk. The couple, who have built a significant online following and starred in a Netflix documentary, defended their climb as a form of art. They expressed their respect for the legal process and stated they would accept the consequences of their choices. A further hearing is scheduled for September 29.