Russian couple who climbed Empire State Building for love stunt face prison and possible deportation
A Russian couple who climbed the antenna atop New York's Empire State Building in July to stage a dramatic declaration of love could face prison and deportation, with their lawyer warning that one of them might be sent to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine if returned home.
Ivan Kuznetsov and Angela Nikolau appeared in court on November 12. Their case was adjourned until January 28, 2027, for possible grand jury proceedings, Fox News reported.
On July 1, the pair climbed to the top of the 443-meter (1,454-foot) skyscraper's broadcast antenna and unfurled a banner reading: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
Kuznetsov also appeared to propose to Nikolau while standing atop the landmark. But the romantic gesture came with a twist: Nikolau's father later told ABC News that the couple were already married and that the proposal was part of the performance. When ABC asked the pair about their marital status, their lawyer advised them not to answer.
According to ABC News, the couple bought tickets to the building, secretly stayed inside overnight and accessed the upper floors the following morning. Prosecutors allege that a lock on a security door was broken.
The pair face felony charges including burglary and reckless endangerment.
In an interview with ABC News, Kuznetsov acknowledged the danger of the stunt and urged others not to attempt anything similar. He said the couple, who have spent years performing high-altitude climbs, were ready to take responsibility for their actions.
Their lawyer claims Manhattan prosecutors backed out of an agreed-upon plea deal that would have allowed the couple to plead guilty to lesser misdemeanor charges. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office disputes that account, saying no formal plea offer was made.
The couple are in the United States on talent visas and hope to remain in New York.
Their attorney warned that a conviction could result in imprisonment and deportation to Russia, where Kuznetsov could potentially be sent to fight against Ukraine, while Nikolau could face imprisonment over her artistic activities.
No deportation order has been reported, and the lawyer's concerns about what could happen in Russia remain hypothetical.