What was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime proposal quickly turned into an international headline. Russian rooftoppers and social media stars Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were arrested. They climbed New York City’s famous Empire State Building. Then, they staged a dramatic marriage proposal high above Manhattan.
The amazing stunt was caught on video and shared everywhere. It showed the couple on top of the building’s antenna. Then, Beerkus got down on one knee and proposed. Nikolau accepted, but the celebration didn’t last. NYPD officers soon arrested the pair after they came down.
View this post on Instagram
What Happened at the Empire State Building?
Authorities say the couple accessed restricted areas of the Empire State Building. Then, they climbed onto the skyscraper’s 1,454-foot antenna.
Dressed in black, they unfurled a large banner reading:
“When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The phrase is often wrongly linked to musician Jimi Hendrix. In fact, it comes from 19th-century British Prime Minister William Gladstone, as reported by several sources.
After displaying the banner, Ivan Beerkus proposed to Angela Nikolau on a narrow ledge near the top of the building. The proposal lasted only moments before emergency responders moved in to bring the couple down safely.
Also Read – Who Is Stephen Graham Married To?
Who Are Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus?
Angela Nikolau, 33, is a former rhythmic gymnast who was born into a family of circus performers. She gained online fame by posting gravity-defying photos from rooftops in Russia.
Ivan Beerkus, also known as Ivan Kuznetsov, is a professional rooftopper. He scales some of the tallest buildings in the world without ropes or safety gear. Over the years, he has climbed landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Shanghai Tower and Shenzhen’s Shun Hing Square.
The couple met in 2016. They quickly became a well-known extreme-climbing couple online. Their risky urban climbs drew millions of followers on social media.
Long Before the Empire State Proposal, They Were Internet Legends
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were well-known for “rooftopping” even before they got engaged at the Empire State Building. This niche involves climbing skyscrapers without ropes or safety gear to take stunning photos and videos.
Nikolau was a gymnast and the daughter of circus performers. She brought agility and balance to their daring adventures. Beerkus, whose real name is Ivan Kuznetsov, gained a following by sharing risky urban climbs. Later, they became climbing partners and a couple.
Also Read – Christina Haack & Tarek El Moussa Reunion
The Climb That Made Them Netflix Stars
Before the Empire State Building, the couple’s biggest achievement was in 2022. They climbed Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur. At that time, it was the world’s second-tallest building, standing at 2,227 feet.
That extraordinary climb became the centrepiece of Netflix’s Skywalkers: A Love Story (2024), directed by Jeff Zimbalist. The documentary shows their risky climbs and changing relationship. Nikolau shares her philosophy clearly:
“Limits only exist in our minds.”
How They Pulled Off the Stunt
Reports say the couple accessed a restricted area. They entered through a maintenance section above the 102nd floor and climbed onto the antenna.
The climb lasted roughly 30 minutes before emergency crews reached them.
Police body-camera footage later showed officers climbing after the pair and ordering them to come down. Authorities are still investigating exactly how they managed to bypass building security.
Empire State Building Responds
An Empire State Building spokesperson said the unauthorised climb didn’t risk visitors or tenants. They also praised the New York Police Department for resolving the situation quickly.
The building humorously noted that couples seeking a memorable proposal can legally use its official proposal package. This way, they avoid any risk of felony charges.
Also Read – Celebrity Power Couples
Why Were Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus Released So Quickly?
Reports say the couple was freed in under 24 hours. An unknown person paid their bail. Officials have not revealed the person’s identity or explained why they chose to step in.
No official details are available, so the reasons for the bail are unclear. The lack of confirmation has sparked a lot of talk on social media. Users are guessing who might have paid the bail. There is no verified evidence identifying the individual. Authorities haven’t made any further statements on this matter.
A Love Story That Sparked Global Debate
The incident has divided opinion online.
Some social media users praised the proposal as a bold romantic gesture. Some people criticised the couple. They said the couple promoted risky behaviour and illegally entered a famous New York City landmark.
For Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the Empire State Building proposal fit their life well. Amazing heights, viral moments, and some controversy mark their life. This latest stunt created a memorable moment, but it also led to serious criminal charges. It sparked a fresh debate about the dangers and consequences of extreme urban climbing.
Sources & References
- The Guardian — Couple who staged apparent proposal atop Empire State Building faces slew of charges
- Reuters — Russian daredevils unfurl banner atop New York’s Empire State Building in proposal stunt
- The Sun— Who are Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus? Influencer couple arrested after Empire State climb
- Daily Beast— Daredevil couple scale Empire State Building in proposal stunt
- Cosmopolitan — Meet the couple who climbed Empire State Building for proposal
