The Russian couple who scaled the Empire State Building’s antenna and appeared to get engaged high above Manhattan may have already been married, according to the woman’s father.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, drew worldwide attention in July after illegally climbing the 1,454-foot New York landmark’s spire. At the top, they unfurled a black banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Following the perilous stunt, which the couple has characterized as performance art, the masked pair climbed down to a platform on the antenna. There, Kuznetsov dropped to one knee and presented Nikolau with a diamond ring.
News helicopters captured the apparent proposal as they circled the building. Nikolau later shared photos and videos of the ring, with the Manhattan skyline visible hundreds of feet below.
The gesture seemed to reinforce the couple’s message about love. However, Nikolau’s father, Dmitry Nikolau, later told ABC News that the pair was already married.
During an interview that aired Wednesday on Good Morning America, Nikolau and Kuznetsov were asked directly: “Are you married?”
“No, we were…” Nikolau began, before the couple’s attorney interrupted off-camera and said, “Skip it. Skip it.”
The attorney urged them to focus instead on their plans. The pair said they do not currently have a wedding planned and are concentrating on the legal case stemming from their climb.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, became an international sensation after climbing the 1,454-foot antenna of the Empire State Building
Kuznetsov knelt and presented Nikolau with a diamond ring during the climb, appearing to propose even though her father later said the couple was already married
Nikolau shared photos of the pair on the Empire State Building, including images of the apparent proposal and her large diamond ring
The pair displayed a black banner on the Empire State Building spire that said: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace”
Court records show that the couple faces felony charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and burglary, along with a misdemeanor count of climbing the exterior of a structure. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Kuznetsov told ABC News that the pair never intended to commit a crime, but said they were ready to take responsibility and face the consequences of their actions.
He conceded that the climb was extremely dangerous. The couple also said they understood they could die while carrying out their art. Kuznetsov urged others not to imitate them.
“We know that it’s deadly dangerous, and we actually want to say to people: don’t try to repeat it, because we’ve been doing it for 15 years,” he told ABC News. “Maybe you should find another way to express yourself about love.”
The couple said their only apology was reserved for the two police officers “who tried to catch us upstairs,” describing them as “so kind” and “professional.”
According to sources who spoke with ABC News, the pair entered the Empire State Building by buying tickets and then secretly remaining inside overnight. They allegedly broke through a hatch and a locked door leading to the broadcast antenna.
Nikolau and Kuznetsov have built their reputations by carrying out similarly hazardous climbs on skyscrapers in cities around the world.
The couple appeared in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story. Their social media accounts also feature frequent images of them perched atop towering buildings, helping them attract a substantial following.
Nikolau and Kuznetsov, shown in court, face charges including reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and climbing the exterior of a structure
Outside court in August, the couple said their “performance” represented the “power of love” and “peace” before sharing a passionate French kiss
The couple said they had not intended to commit a crime but were prepared to accept responsibility and deal with the consequences
The pair is currently living in the United States on talent visas. They told ABC News they hope to remain in New York City, which they consider the best place for their artistic work.
During earlier court appearances, Nikolau and Kuznetsov thanked supporters while warning would-be copycats not to follow their example, emphasizing that they are “great professionals with 15 years of experience.”
They have repeatedly insisted that the climb was a performance centered on the “power of love” and “peace.” In August, they underscored that message with a passionate kiss outside the courthouse.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys have been negotiating a possible plea agreement, although it remains uncertain whether Nikolau and Kuznetsov will accept any deal.
The couple is due back in court on Thursday.
