The couple whose illegal climb of New York City’s Empire State Building went viral is acknowledging the seriousness of the stunt that landed them in jail as they speak publicly ahead of their next court appearance.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, climbed the landmark skyscraper in July before unfurling a black flag that read, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau moments later, with the entire scene captured on camera.
On Wednesday, the pair discussed the stunt publicly for the first time in an interview with ABC News that aired on Good Morning America.
Couple shares engagement photos from atop the Empire State Building after their daring climb. (INSTAGRAM/angela_nikolau)
During the interview, Kuznetsov said the couple is “ready to take responsibility” for its actions.
The pair faces charges, and their lawyer previously told News Outlet that they are negotiating a potential plea agreement with prosecutors.
The couple also told the reporter they were “willing to die” for the stunt, which they described as “art.”
NYPD body-camera footage shows officers confronting an unharnessed couple on top of a New York City skyscraper. (@NYPDPC/X)
The couple laughed during the interview when they revealed that they had bought tickets to enter the building and remained inside overnight to carry out the climb.
They said their only apology was directed to the NYPD officers and emergency personnel who were dispatched to the top of the building to help bring them down.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, appeared outside court Tuesday after another status hearing, where their lawyer confirmed talks with the district attorney’s office over a possible plea deal. (WNYW; FNTV)
Throughout the interview, Nikolau and Kuznetsov acknowledged repeatedly that the stunt was “dangerous.” They also said there are “other ways to express yourself” instead of illegally climbing buildings.
The couple is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
