A daredevil couple accused of climbing New York City’s Empire State Building for a viral marriage proposal is negotiating a possible plea deal with prosecutors. Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, appeared in Manhattan court Tuesday for a status conference. Their attorney said discussions with the district attorney’s office are progressing and that he expects a resolution before the end of the year. A judge also ended the couple’s requirement to check in monthly with a court-supervision officer.
The July stunt involved the couple reaching the top of the landmark skyscraper and displaying a large banner. They were arrested and initially faced charges including reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure.
| 1) | Court appearance and supervision change |
| 2) | Charges following the skyscraper climb |
| 3) | Attorney outlines expected resolution |
| 4) | Proposal stunt draws public attention |
| 5) | Next hearing and path toward a deal |
Court appearance and supervision change
Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov appeared before a Manhattan judge Tuesday during a status conference related to their Empire State Building case. The hearing addressed the status of the criminal proceedings and the conditions imposed after their arrests.
The judge ruled that the couple no longer had to complete monthly check-ins with an officer under court-mandated supervision. They had previously been released while the case continued, with the supervision requirement serving as part of the conditions of their release.
Charges following the skyscraper climb
The couple was arrested after reaching the top of the Empire State Building in New York City in July. Authorities initially charged them with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure.
The incident involved an ascent of the landmark without the usual safety protections, according to video and descriptions of the event. Images showed the pair at the top of the building with a large banner, and police body-camera footage showed officers confronting them. The case remains pending while prosecutors and the defense discuss its possible outcome.
Attorney outlines expected resolution
The couple’s attorney, Noam Biale, told reporters outside the courthouse that negotiations with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office were nearing a resolution. He said the defense was “getting close” to a potential agreement and expressed confidence that the matter could be resolved before the end of 2026.
“They are daring and pathbreaking artists whose performances have captivated people all over the world,” Biale said.
Biale also characterized his clients as beloved by New Yorkers and said that no one wanted to see them harmed. A plea agreement would still require formal approval through the court process. The district attorney’s office had been contacted for comment.
Proposal stunt draws public attention
The climb took place July 1, when the couple used the top of the Empire State Building as the setting for a marriage proposal. The stunt quickly attracted widespread attention online, including engagement images and footage of the pair at the landmark.
The couple is known for performing climbing and other high-risk stunts. Their appearance outside court also drew attention, with video showing them kissing after the hearing. Despite the public interest in the proposal, the criminal case concerns the alleged conduct involved in entering and climbing the building.
Next hearing and path toward a deal
The next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Manhattan. That hearing could provide an update on the discussions between the defense and prosecutors, although no final agreement had been announced at the time of Tuesday’s appearance.
The potential resolution follows the judge’s decision to remove the monthly reporting condition and the attorney’s statement that negotiations are advancing. Until the case is formally resolved, the charges remain allegations and the defendants retain their legal rights.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The couple appeared in Manhattan court for a status conference. |
| 2 | They are negotiating a possible plea deal with prosecutors. |
| 3 | A judge ended their monthly check-ins under court supervision. |
| 4 | The charges include reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure. |
| 5 | The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12. |
Summary
The case involving Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov is moving toward a possible negotiated resolution after their July climb of the Empire State Building. Their attorney expects progress before the end of the year, while the next scheduled court appearance will take place Nov. 12. No final plea agreement has been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the defendants?
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, are a couple known for performing daring stunts.
What charges did they face?
They initially faced charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure.
When is their next court appearance?
Their next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Manhattan.
Has a plea deal been finalized?
No. Their attorney said negotiations are advancing, but no final agreement had been announced.