The Russian couple who climbed the Empire State Building's antenna and appeared to get engaged atop the Manhattan skyline were likely already married.
asserted
who → climb → skyline
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, captured the world's attention in July when they illegally scaled the iconic 1,454-foot New York City building's spire and unfurled a black banner that read: 'When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.'
asserted
world → capture → peace
After the death-defying stunt, which the couple has described as performative art, the masked pair descended to a grate on the antenna, and Kuznetsov got down on one knee to offer Nikolau a diamond ring.
asserted
Kuznetsov → defy → ring
The moment was captured by media helicopters circling the building, and Nikolau later posted photos and videos showing off the flashy ring with a stunning view of Manhattan far above the ground in the background.
asserted
Nikolau → capture → background
The proposal appeared to be part of the message of love, but Nikolau's father, Dmitry Nikolau, later told ABC News that the couple was already married.
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couple → appear → News
During an interview published Wednesday on Good Morning America, Nikolau and Kuznetsov were asked, 'Are you married?'
'No, we were...'
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we → publish → America
Nikolau began before the couple's attorney interjected from off-screen and said: 'Skip it.
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attorney → begin → it
The lawyer advised that they should instead discuss their plans for the future.
asserted
they → advise → future
Nikolau and Kuznetsov said that there is no wedding in the works yet and that they are currently focused on their legal troubles.
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they → say → troubles
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, captured the world's attention when they scaled the 1,454 foot Empire State Building's antenna
Kuznetsov got down on one knee during the stunt and offered Nikolau a diamond ring in an apparent proposal, but Nikolau's father has since said the couple was already married
Nikolau posted a series of photos of the pair atop the Empire State Building, including a snap of the proposal and her flashy diamond ring
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Nikolau → capture → proposal
The couple unfurled a black banner atop the Empire State Building's spire that read: 'When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace'
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world → unfurl → peace
The couple is facing felony charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and burglary, and a misdemeanor charge of climbing the exterior of a structure, according to court records.
uncertain
couple → face → records
They have pleaded not guilty.
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They → plead → ?
Kuznetsov told ABC News that he and Nikolau did not intend to commit a crime but that they are prepared to accept responsibility and consequences for what they did.
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they → tell → what
He acknowledged how 'dangerous' the stunt was, and the couple said they were prepared to die for their art.
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they → acknowledge → art
Kuznetsov also discouraged anyone from trying to copy their actions.
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Kuznetsov → discourage → actions
'We know that it's deadly dangerous and we actually want to say to people that don't try to repeat it, because we've been doing it for 15 years.
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we → know → years
And maybe you should find another way to express yourself about love,' he told ABC News.
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he → find → News
The couple said that they only feel the need to apologize to the pair of police officers 'who tried to catch us upstairs,' adding that 'they were so kind, professional.'
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they → say → us
Sources revealed to ABC News that the couple pulled off their stunt by purchasing tickets for the Empire State Building before secretly spending the night inside, then breaking through a hatch and a locked door that leads to the broadcast antenna.
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that → reveal → antenna
Nikolau and Kuznetsov are known for performing similar dangerous feats climbing high-rise buildings in cities around the world.
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Nikolau → know → world
They previously starred in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, and are seen frequently posed atop terrifyingly tall buildings on their social media, where they have accrued a large following.
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they → star → following
Nikolau and Kuznetsov, pictured in court, are facing charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary, and climbing the exterior of a structure
Outside the courthouse in August, the couple emphasized that their 'performance' was about the 'power of love' and 'peace' and shared a steamy French kiss
The couple said that they did not intend to commit a crime, but they are prepared to accept responsibility and consequences for what they did
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they → picture → what
The couple is currently staying in the US on a talent visa, and they told ABC News that they want to stay in New York City because it is the best place for art.
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it → stay → art
At previous court appearances, the couple has thanked their supporters and discouraged copycats, saying they are 'great professionals with 15 years of experience.'
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they → thank → experience
They have also emphasized that their 'performance' was about the 'power of love' and 'peace' and shared a steamy French kiss outside the courthouse in August.
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performance → emphasize → August
Prosecutors and the couple's defense have been discussing a potential plea deal, though it is unclear whether Nikolau and Kuznetsov will accept any offers.
uncertain
Nikolau → discuss → offers
They are scheduled to return to court on Thursday.
asserted
They → schedule → Thursday
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