The hottest couple in America right now appeared in court on July 2, 2026, for charges related to their engagement on top of the Empire State Building. Ivan Beerkus, 32, and Angela Nikolau, 33, are facing felony charges for scaling the antenna of a New York City landmark on Wednesday, July 1.
Felony Charges For Daredevil Couple
Prosecutors say that Beerkus told police that he wanted to “do something special” for the engagement, which is why the two climbed the antenna. The couple was arraigned on felony reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal mischief, and other charges in connection with the unfurling of a peace banner.
The two did not enter pleas at their arraignment and were released shortly thereafter. “We will do supervised release. We will do it at a low level,” a Manhattan judge said
Scaling The Empire State Building
After the couple scaled the 1,454-foot antenna and hung a black banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” they descended to a platform where Beerkus got down on one knee and proposed to Nikolau.
Later, the recently engaged couple shared photos on social media of the proposal, including a pic of her ring held up over the New York City skyline.
Authorities had to wait around 30 minutes for the antenna to power down before they could dispatch an Emergency Services unit to climb the structure. As the couple descended the structure, officers intercepted them and began their process of taking them into custody.
The criminal complaint filed by the prosecution alleges officers found a broken lock on a security door inside the 102-story Art Deco skyscraper. However, the lock was found on the building’s restricted-access 104th floor that leads to the antenna. Any level above the 102nd-floor observation deck requires a key card to access.
Couple Full of Love
The Russian nationals spent the night in police custody on Wednesday, and appeared the following day in Manhattan criminal court. The couple was featured in Netflix’s 2024 documentary, “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” for scaling tall structures around the world without any safety gear.
As they left court on Thursday, Beerkus told reporters, “We believe in love,” and did not say anything further to implicate themselves. The couple’s attorney, Jason Krinsky, stood behind the proposal. “What a way to propose — something you can only dream of,” Krinsky said
“So you’ve got to, you know, give him some credit for that.”
Their attorney said he believes his clients were overcharged. “They are trying to send a message,” Krinsky said following Thursday’s arraignment. “As far as what I’ve seen, and I’m sure you have all seen, it was a message of love. You know, that’s a nice thing.“
The Empire State Building Responds
A spokesperson for the Empire State Building told PEOPLE that the “unauthorized incident” was resolved “with the constructive and helpful coordination of the NYPD.” They said the building was forced to shut down temporarily for the safety of its occupants.
“There was at no time danger to tenants, visitors, and Empire State Building Observation Deck guests,” the spokesperson said. “It is to be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the World’s Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals.”
The Public View
The dangerous spectacle garnered national attention with many viewers calling them the “hottest people ever.” Those who support their so-called publicity stunt believe they have no right to be charged, as long as the owners of the Empire State Building have no grievance.
Scaling one of the tallest buildings in the United States and risking your life is not the only way to propose to your significant other. The Empire State Building offers in-house and felony-free options, such as the official “Happily Ever Empire” proposal package, available on its website.
