Empire State Building climbers face deportation fears after attorney claims plea deal fell apart
The Empire State Building climbers who are facing charges for their daredevil climb to the top of the iconic New York City landmark may face deportation and jail time for the viral stunt.Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, went viral after they scaled the skyscraper in July and displayed a black flag bearing the message "when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." Kuznetsov then proposed to Nikolau immediately after — and all of it was caught on camera.Fox News Digital previously reported that the Russian couple was in the process of working out a plea deal with prosecutors, which, according to their attorney, came to a screeching halt following an email from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who climbed the Empire State Building, look on as they depart the criminal courthouse in New York City, Nov.12, 2026.
(REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)‘BELOVED’ DAREDEVILS WHO SCALED EMPIRE STATE BUILDING INCHING TOWARD DEAL AFTER PROPOSAL STUNT: ATTORNEYThe climbers appeared in court on Thursday for another hearing in the case.They face felony charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, as well as a misdemeanor charge of unlawful climbing.WATCH: Masked protesters scale Empire State Building spireFOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XAddressing reporters outside the courthouse following the hearing, Kuznetsov said, "We didn't damage any property.
We didn't intend to put anyone in danger."EMPIRE STATE BUILDING DAREDEVILS LAUGH OFF STUNT SECRET, CONFESS HOW FAR THEY’D GO — AND WHO THEY’RE SORRY TOAngela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who climbed the Empire State Building, leave the criminal courthouse in New York City, Nov.12, 2026.
(REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWSHe went on to say, "We just wanted to send message of love, and we're ready to defend ourselves." He stood holding hands with Nikolau, his fiancée of ...