NEW YORK — A couple accused of climbing the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan has been identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, the daredevil duo featured in Netflix’s 2024 documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film followed their high-risk rooftop climbs around the world and the relationship behind them.
One of the documentary’s most prominent moments centered on their ascent of Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s second-tallest building, which rises 2,227 feet.
At the time of the Netflix release, Nikolau and Kuznetsov, who also performs under the name Ivan Beerkus, were described by the streamer as being based in Moscow.
Their social media presence has continued to draw attention. Over the past year, Nikolau has shared several photos and videos that appeared to show the pair on top of structures in California, including the Hollywood Sign.
Los Angeles County court records do not show any criminal cases filed against either Nikolau or Kuznetsov.
The couple’s history of extreme climbs dates back years. In 2016, they traveled to China, where they scaled what was then described as the highest construction site in the world, a skyscraper topped by a crane.
RELATED: How daredevil loverbirds climbed onto Empire State Building spire
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
