A Russian couple who illegally scaled the Empire State Building were seen kissing and holding hands at a court appearance in Manhattan, where they face multiple criminal charges over the stunt. Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, climbed the New York landmark on 1 July, an act that saw Beerkus propose to Nikolau roughly 1,400 feet above the ground and prompted police to clear the building's observation deck and close the surrounding street.

The pair, known for daredevil high-rise climbs and previously featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, face charges including reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, burglary, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and possession of burglar's tools. During the climb they unfurled a banner reading "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace," and Nikolau later shared footage of her engagement ring with Manhattan visible far below. They have not yet entered a plea and are due back in court on 29 September.