The daredevil couple facing felony charges over a dramatic Empire State Building proposal turned their latest court appearance into another theatrical display. Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court wearing matching black outfits and faux handcuffs before sharing a passionate kiss outside the courthouse. Their coordinated appearance came as prosecutors revealed that plea negotiations are underway following the couple’s unauthorized climb to the top of the New York City landmark.
5Beerkus and Nikolau returned to court on Monday, August 24, in connection with their July 1 climb. The couple coordinated in black leather jackets and jeans, with Nikolau publicly displaying her diamond engagement ring. However, it was their decorative handcuffs that attracted the most attention.
The pair left the courthouse holding hands before displaying the faux restraints and kissing in front of photographers. The accessories appeared to reference their arrest following the high-altitude stunt, during which Beerkus proposed to Nikolau on the Empire State Building.
Despite their show outside court, the couple still faces serious criminal charges over the unauthorized climb.
Prosecutors Are In ‘Active Plea Discussions’
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Jessica Waldman revealed that her office is in “active plea discussions” with the couple, according to the New York Post.
Details about the potential resolution were not disclosed. It remains unclear whether prosecutors have offered Beerkus and Nikolau a specific agreement or what conditions could be attached to any deal. Plea discussions do not guarantee that an agreement will be reached. If negotiations are successful, however, the couple could resolve the case without proceeding to trial.
Beerkus and Nikolau are expected to return to court on September 29.
The Couple Climbed The Empire State Building’s Antenna
5The charges stem from the couple’s unauthorized ascent of the Empire State Building on July 1. Beerkus and Nikolau reached the skyscraper’s broadcast antenna, which rises 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan.
The pair reportedly climbed without safety tethers while dressed in black and wearing masks. Once they reached the top, they unfurled a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
They later moved to a lower ledge, where Beerkus got down on one knee and appeared to propose. The couple embraced, kissed, and photographed the engagement ring against the Manhattan skyline.
Police eventually intercepted them as they descended from the structure.
Their Climb Allegedly Created A Risk For Responding Officers
5Beerkus and Nikolau were arraigned on July 2 on charges that included felony reckless endangerment, burglary and criminal mischief. According to the Associated Press, officers had to wait approximately 30 minutes for the broadcast antenna to be powered down before they could begin climbing toward the couple. Emergency Services Unit officers reportedly ascended approximately 1,250 feet to intercept the pair.
The criminal complaint stated that police discovered a broken lock on a security door located on the building’s restricted 104th floor. That area provides access to the antenna. Authorities accused the couple of creating a risk not only to themselves but also to the officers required to pursue them at a significant height.
Management for the Empire State Building previously described the climb as unauthorized but said the incident did not place visitors inside the building in danger.
The couple has not entered a plea to the charges.
Ivan Beerkus And Angela Nikolau Addressed The Court Case
5Following their August hearing, Beerkus and Nikolau shared photographs of themselves embracing outside the courthouse. “Everything can be taken. Except this. The case was adjourned until September,” Nikolau wrote in the joint Instagram post. Followers quickly noticed the faux handcuffs, with several commenters describing the accessories as “iconic.” Nikolau thanked supporters for standing behind the couple as their criminal case continues.
Days before the hearing, the pair indicated that they were prepared to face the legal consequences of their decision. “Whatever happens in court, we will respect the process and accept the consequences of our choices,” they wrote in an August 22 Instagram post.
On August 20, Nikolau posted a “court prep” video in which she wore a latex bodysuit and held a knife against the back of Beerkus’ neck while licking his head inside a bathroom stall.
The Daredevils Called Their Stunt ‘Art’
5Beerkus and Nikolau have defended the Empire State Building climb as a creative performance rather than simply a dangerous stunt. In previous social media posts, the couple called the act “art” and a “performance.”
Nikolau also revealed that her engagement ring contains a special engraving reflecting the couple’s approach to fear and risk. “Your full potential is on the other side of fear,” the inscription reads.
Their decision to incorporate the proposal into the unauthorized climb is consistent with the extreme behavior that made them internationally known. Beerkus and Nikolau were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film followed their relationship and their dangerous practice of “rooftopping,” which involves climbing tall structures, frequently without authorization or conventional safety equipment.
For now, the couple’s future depends on whether their attorneys and Manhattan prosecutors can finalize a plea agreement before they return to court in September.
