The couple who gained worldwide attention after illegally climbing New York City’s Empire State Building is now acknowledging the consequences of the dangerous stunt. Speaking ahead of their next court appearance, they offered a candid account of the climb that resulted in their arrests.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, reached the top of the landmark skyscraper in July, where they unfurled a black flag reading, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau moments later, with the dramatic scene captured on video.
On Wednesday, the couple discussed the stunt publicly for the first time in an interview with ABC News that aired on Good Morning America.
Couple shares engagement photos atop Empire State Building after daring climb. (INSTAGRAM/angela_nikolau)
Kuznetsov said during the interview that the two were “ready to take responsibility” for their actions.
The climbers remain charged in connection with the incident. Their attorney previously told News Media that discussions over a possible plea agreement with prosecutors were underway.
They also told the interviewer they had been “willing to die” for the stunt, which they described as a form of “art.”
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NYPD bodycam shows officers confronting an unharnessed couple atop a New York City skyscraper. (@NYPDPC/X)
The couple laughed when discussing how they bought tickets to enter the building, then remained inside overnight before making their climb.
They said their only apologies were directed toward the NYPD officers and emergency responders who had to reach the roof and assist them after the ascent.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, appeared outside the courtroom on Tuesday after another status hearing where their lawyer confirmed they are in talks with the DA for a potential plea deal. (WNYW; FNTV)
Throughout the interview, Nikolau and Kuznetsov acknowledged more than once that the stunt was “dangerous.” They also conceded that people have other ways to express themselves without illegally scaling buildings.
The pair is scheduled to return to court on Thursday.