Influencers propose atop Empire State Building, then get arrested

Russian influencers Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau executed a daring marriage proposal atop the Empire State Building on July 1, 2026, scaling the 102 floors without safety equipment. The couple, known for their "rooftopping" exploits, ascended the New York skyscraper, unfurled a banner reading "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace," and then proposed at the summit.

Filmed at an altitude of 443 meters, the proposal video quickly went viral, attracting over a million views and significant international media coverage. The stunt also brought renewed attention to their 2024 Netflix documentary, "Skywalkers: A Love Story," which chronicles their high-risk climbs.

However, their freedom was short-lived. Alerted by witnesses, New York police swiftly responded, deploying a large contingent at the building's base and a helicopter to monitor the situation. Upon descending, Beerkus and Nikolau were arrested and handcuffed, appearing unfazed as they faced the cameras. They remained in police custody for several hours following their apprehension.

This incident is not an isolated act for the couple, who have millions of followers for their clandestine climbs on tall structures worldwide. Their practice, rooftopping, involves illegally scaling skyscrapers, cranes, and monuments without safety gear, always evading security. Their previous climbs, including scaling Malaysia's Merdeka 118 tower, have been documented in their Netflix series.

“

Légendaire