Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Footage captured them on the narrow structure as the banner fluttered in the wind against the New York City skyline
After Hanging Protest Banner About the Power of Love, Man on his knees Proposes Marriage to Woman on Top of Empire State Building
After Hanging Protest Banner About the Power of Love, Man Proposes Marriage to Woman on Top of Empire State Building
In a stunning blend of extreme adventure, activism, and romance, two experienced Russian "rooftoppers" scaled the antenna spire of New York City's Empire State Building on July 1, 2026. They unfurled a large peace banner before one proposed marriage to the other more than 1,450 feet above Manhattan—then both were arrested.
Angela Nikolau , 33, and Ivan Beerkus , 32 — stars of the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story — climbed the restricted 200-foot transmission tower without safety harnesses around noon on Wednesday. Wearing dark clothing and masks, they reached the summit and displayed a black banner that read: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Videos and photos captured the banner fluttering dramatically against the New York skyline.
The pair paused at the top before beginning their descent. On a lower platform of the spire, Beerkus got down on one knee and proposed to Nikolau with a ring. She accepted; the couple embraced, she removed her mask, and they shared a kiss. The romantic moment, filmed from below, quickly went viral.
NYPD helicopters responded, streets were cordoned off, and officers eventually assisted the climbers down safely. They were taken into custody and charged with offenses including trespassing, burglary, and reckless endangerment. Both were later released on supervised release.
Context and Risks
The stunt combined high-risk urban climbing with a peace message and a personal milestone. Experts highlighted the dangers: intense summer heat, radio frequency/electrical hazards from the antenna, and the complete lack of visible safety gear. Such unauthorized climbs are rare and typically result in felony charges.
The slogan on the banner is a popular modern variation of a quote often (though inaccurately) attributed to Jimi Hendrix. Its roots trace back further, to 19th-century British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.
Previous Similar Incidents
This appears to be the first known instance of a marriage proposal atop the Empire State spire. For comparison:
- In 2023, Jared Leto legally climbed part of the building (with ropes and harnesses) as a promotional stunt.
- Unauthorized climbs of the spire and other NYC skyscrapers have occurred in recent years, usually ending in arrests.
The Empire State Building's spire was originally designed in the 1930s as a mooring mast for airships — an idea that proved impractical.
This audacious mix of daredevilry, love, and messaging has captivated the internet, sparking debates about security, romance, and the risks to first responders. The couple’s identities and full story emerged quickly after the event, cementing their place in New York City landmark lore.
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