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Empire State Building climbers facing charges for their daring climb to the top of New York City’s iconic landmark could face deportation and prison time for the viral stunt.
Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, went viral after scaling the skyscraper in July and unfurling a black flag bearing the message “When the power of love defeats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Kuznetsov then proposed to Nikolau immediately afterwards – and it was all caught on camera.
Fox News Digital previously reported that the Russian couple was negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors, which their lawyer said came to an abrupt halt following an email from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who climbed the Empire State Building, watch them leave the criminal courthouse in New York, November 12, 2026. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)
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The climbers appeared in court Thursday for another hearing in the case. They face criminal charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, as well as a misdemeanor charge of illegal climbing.
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Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing, Kuznetsov said: “We didn’t damage any property. We didn’t intend to put anyone in danger.”
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Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who climbed the Empire State Building, leave the criminal courthouse in New York, November 12, 2026. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)
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He added: “We just wanted to send a message of love and we are ready to defend ourselves.” He was holding the hand of Nikolau, his fiancée of almost four months, who burst into tears in front of the courthouse.
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Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who climbed the Empire State Building, arrive at the criminal courthouse in New York, November 12, 2026. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)
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The couple’s lawyer, Noam Biale, said his team accepted an offer from prosecutors that if the climbers pleaded guilty to minor offenses, then they would be shielded from what he called “catastrophic immigration consequences.”
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However, Biale said that offer was taken off the table the day before Thursday’s appearance.
Two people were seen holding a banner atop the Empire State Building in New York on July 1, 2026. (WNYW)
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“If sent back to Russia, Mr. Kuznetsov will almost certainly be sent to fight in the war in Ukraine and Ms. Nikolau could be imprisoned for her artistic expression,” Biale said.
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In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office said: “As we stated in court, it is not accurate to say that an offer has been withdrawn. The charges remain the same.”
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