New York City – The pair who went viral after illegally scaling the Empire State Building this past July are now speaking openly about the stunt as they prepare for another court appearance. Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, climbed the iconic skyscraper, unfurled a black flag bearing the message “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” and filmed the entire ascent.
Admission and apology
During a sit‑down interview with ABC News on Good Morning America, Kuznetsov said the couple is “ready to take responsibility” for their actions. Both participants emphasized that they understand how “dangerous” the climb was and expressed a willingness to face the legal consequences. They also offered a specific apology to the New York Police Department officers and emergency personnel who were dispatched to the roof to assist in their safe removal.
Legal status
The couple is currently charged with multiple offenses related to the illegal entry and unauthorized use of a public building. Their attorney previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that negotiations are underway for a plea agreement with prosecutors. A new court date has been set for Thursday, when the judge will consider the terms of any potential deal and determine whether additional conditions, such as community service or restitution, will be imposed.
Motivation and public reaction
When asked why they undertook the climb, Nikolau and Kuznetsov described the act as a form of “art” and said they were “willing to die” for the statement they wanted to make. They also noted that there are “other ways to express yourself” without breaking the law. The couple laughed when the interview revealed that they purchased tickets to gain legitimate access to the building and spent the night inside before executing the climb.
Impact on the city
City officials reiterated that the incident required a substantial emergency response, diverting resources that could have been used elsewhere. While the stunt captured national attention, local authorities emphasized the importance of respecting public safety protocols and the rule of law. The case serves as a reminder that illegal actions, even when framed as artistic expression, carry serious legal repercussions.
As the legal process moves forward, the couple’s willingness to cooperate and their public apology may influence the outcome of the plea negotiations. The upcoming hearing will determine whether the court imposes penalties that reflect both the seriousness of the offense and the defendants’ expressed remorse.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
