Netflix ‘Skywalkers’ Stars Get Engaged Atop Empire State Building in High-Profile Climb
A masked couple ascended the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner bearing messages of love and peace, culminating in a proposal at the building's peak. The stunt captured attention across media outlets, generating coverage of the unconventional public engagement.
The pair are featured in Netflix's 'Skywalkers' documentary series. The climb has drawn scrutiny, with CNN describing the couple's actions as performative and egregious, citing legal risks including potential criminal charges for the unauthorized scaling of the landmark.
- Masked couple climbed Empire State Building, unfurled a peace-themed banner, and became engaged at the summit
- The pair are documentary subjects in Netflix's 'Skywalkers' series
- The stunt drew criticism from CNN over its performative nature and potential legal consequences including jail time
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A couple featured in Netflix's 'Skywalkers' documentary series climbed the Empire State Building without authorisation and proposed at its summit, unfurling a banner with messages of love and peace. The documentary series follows people who undertake daring stunts involving climbs of famous landmarks around the world.
The unauthorised ascent of such an iconic American landmark has raised serious legal questions, with potential criminal charges being a possibility. Several media outlets, including CNN, have characterised the stunt as performative and egregious, citing safety concerns and the illegality of climbing a protected landmark without permission.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may see the climb as a dramatic expression of personal commitment and a non-violent piece of performance art, made more meaningful by its messages of love and peace. They could argue that unconventional public gestures can inspire attention and conversation, and that the couple’s experience as documented climbers gives them an appreciation of risk rather than a casual disregard for it. On this view, the stunt’s symbolism and emotional resonance are central, provided no one was harmed.
The case against
Critics may argue that scaling an iconic building without permission is irresponsible regardless of its romantic intent, because it can endanger the climbers, emergency responders and people below. They may also contend that highly visible coverage risks encouraging imitation by people with less experience, while imposing security and policing costs on the public. From this perspective, messages of love and peace do not excuse bypassing safety rules or potential criminal liability for a spectacle designed to attract attention.
Coverage
- Daily Mail — Daredevil couple scale Empire State Building and unfurl protest banner at very top before dramatic proposal
- The Hollywood Reporter — New Heights: Netflix’s Daredevil Couple Get Engaged Atop Empire State Building