July 3, 2026
Daredevil Couple Facing Multiple Felonies As Engagement Status Is Questioned: Are They Already Married?
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RSS Feed We are learning more about the couple who seemingly got engaged on the needle of the Empire State Building this week in New York City. Authorities have charged Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus with multiple felonies, including reckless endangerment and burglary after learning they spent the night in the iconic tower and brought tools with them to break locks to gain access to the needle. The two left court hand in hand, smiling, and gave another photo op for the cameras, kissing in front of a NYC subway station. But perhaps the most interesting twist to the story that captivated the Big Apple, Ivan’s own father now telling the media this was all a publicity stunt and that the two are already married.
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00:00:02
Speaker 1: Hey, they're folks. It is Friday, July third. Two of the most talked about couples in all of New York are having a hell of a week. One couple's getting married at an iconic spot in New York. The other got engaged at a very iconic spot. Then they got arrested, and then they gave us another great picture and with that, welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ. This couple knows how to put on a show robes and they know how to use some iconic New York City backgrounds to do it. Ah, I didn't mind this so much.
00:00:35
Speaker 2: Yes, we're talking about Angela Nicolaw and Ivan Berkiss. That is the newly engaged couple who got engaged on top of the Empire State Building. Now they yeah, that's yeah. We'll get into that because there is some there are some conflicting reports about the status of their relationship, but we'll get into that in just a bit. But yeah, we're not talking about getting engaged on the observation deck. I'm sure by this point you all have seen the unbelievable proposal on the spire on the needle of the Empire State Building, a place that well you're not supposed to be. In fact, it's supposed we were looking at how dangerous it actually was, not just that you might fall, but actually from what that needle actually does broadcasting radio frequencies. It's apparently it can be harmful to the human body just to be near it.
00:01:28
Speaker 1: You remember that, I know you remember the scene from the show We Love Below Deck when a couple of deckhands went up to the top where the radar and all that stuff. Wasn't that are you idiots crazy? You're gonna fry yourselves up there? So yeah, I thought about that moment. But yes, it's not just a matter you can fall, you can actually do other harm to yourself. So yes, we were celebrating, and I guess we can smile and we can say it's a sweet story in the picture because we saw an engagement and that's supposed to be great. But this was dangerous and they did endanger other people, in particular police officers who had to go up there and get them correct.
00:01:59
Speaker 2: So they were in court on Thursday, and we're learning a bunch of new details about how they pulled this off and the unbelievable charges they're facing because they are they are they threw the book at this couple. So we also found out in order to pull this off, they actually spent the night in the Empire State Building. That's kind of incredible that they weren't found. They weren't caught. Aren't their cameras everywhere?
00:02:25
Speaker 1: Yeah, it's incredible and criminal. Now some of the details not coming on in court. You don't you go away from all this is a sweet story. I mean, Rod, just think if these folks were not there to have a sweet moment, and these were criminals who were there to do harm, they would have done that harm. This is a big deal.
00:02:45
Speaker 2: Yeah, and you know what, this is a wake up call to security there at that building, because yes, you get up on top of that building, think about I don't even want to. I don't want to think about all the things that somebody could do from that height to this city, if they wanted to launch something from that place.
00:03:02
Speaker 1: They wed. They say they were able to at least get through the building with what robbery tool, burglary tool something they've been charged. So they carried enough equipment that it sounds like they could have done some harm. If they wanted to robes it could have gotten more in if they wanted to. So, yeah, the story is taking on a little more seriousness.
00:03:19
Speaker 2: Yes, And so here's what we know, at least what came out in court on Thursday. So we know the couple bought tickets Tuesday night to go up to the observation deck. But yes, they secretly spent the night. They believe they actually when going back through the security cameras. This is what's crazy. Is no one monitoring these cameras because they had video of these two at five a m. The next day Wednesday, It caught them going through a hatch on the one hundred and second floor. Why was nobody watching said security camera?
00:03:54
Speaker 1: But that's the thing. What's the point of the security game? So why even have it so.
00:03:57
Speaker 2: After the fact you can charge people with things? Know, that point would be that you catch people while they're doing said criminal acts.
00:04:04
Speaker 1: And who know if somebody's supposed to be watching that constantly rose But if it sounds like a place people aren't supposed to be, there's not an alert system to let you know that there's some activity that that part is bizarre. And you picture that scene that you see in movies all the time with some security guard with it's feed up on the thing, paying attention to something else, and he misses the criminal on the computer screen right in front of him.
00:04:26
Speaker 2: I think that's sandwich or or sleeping or whatever.
00:04:30
Speaker 1: Money get fired over this.
00:04:31
Speaker 2: They should, I absolutely think somebody shouldn't.
00:04:34
Speaker 1: Shouldn't they well held responsible? I thought a little, But who knows. I don't know. It might not be somebody's fault. It might be a system, It might be the whole system that is the problem. But well, if you're not supposed to be able to go sleep in the Empire State Building in a secure area, you're not supposed to be able to do that.
00:04:51
Speaker 2: You're not supposed to be able to do that. So we don't. I don't actually know where they slept. They haven't detailed that, but we just know at five am, Yes, they went through this hatch on one hundred and second floor. Then they say there was a lock on the security door to the one hundred fourth floor that was broken. And then they say it appears that the couple, yes, had tools, as you mentioned, they brought with them to loosen the brackets to access this stairwell, and so that is how they got up. And they believed that the couple may have been up there several times to observe some employees. They're at the Empire State Building and they used a worker entrance to get around screening, so they had been scoping.
00:05:34
Speaker 1: This out a worker entrance to get around screenings.
00:05:37
Speaker 2: How's the fact that it was that easy to do that the.
00:05:39
Speaker 1: Building needs to close for them to figure that out that easy? We used a an to prevent screen so they could have carried anything.
00:05:46
Speaker 2: Correct, So that's why they got the tools in. They used a worker's entrance, so they believe they've they'd gone to this building several times to look and see how can we do this, how can we circumvent security? And seems like they did it pretty damn easily. And yes, we did learn that there is danger from the antenna because they said in court it emits high frequency radio signals that are powerful enough to cause harm to the human body. That's scary stuff.
00:06:14
Speaker 1: I'm sure. And again they have done this for years around the world. I assume they looked into this a little bit. These don't seem like as crazy as this stuff seems. And we call them daredevils. These are, in my experience, ropes, these type of climbers are some of the safest people I know. They do take precautions. They're not just idiots. These are not two randos who just decided to go up and do this. So whatever level of danger I'm sure they had looked into, but still to hear that robes, we're looking and thinking, oh my god, are they gonna fall? They had other stuff to worry about it.
00:06:47
Speaker 2: Uh yeah, things that I wasn't even considering. So now, yes, this couple is facing multiple felonies, babe, including reckless endangerment and burglary. I mean, you're talking years and years and years in prison. Now. They didn't enter a plea yesterday, and the judge did allow them to leave. We'll talk about their departure from the court because that is also now making headlines and providing some wonderful photos. But they said a supervised release. I don't They said it would be like a loosely supervised release. Not really sure what that means. They're going to be monitored. They live in East Orange, New Jersey, I believe. So. Look, they were all smiles for the cameras as they left the court. Can you imagine the press gaggle out there waiting for them and so they didn't say anything. I believe in he said, we love New York. I believe that's the only thing he said, we love New York. They're smiling, they're holding hands, they look like the happiest newly engaged couple ever. And then came the moment, the big photo op.
00:07:48
Speaker 1: Did you see what train line it was? I didn't see it. But there are few things everybody immediately recognize, no matter where you are in the world, about New York. You immediately recognize the Statue of Liberty. You understand the Empire State Building, and you understand New York City cabs, and you know subways. Subways are just a part of our identity here, right ropes and as scary as they can be at times, So we have all kinds of issues. It's almost something that tourists have to do here.
00:08:17
Speaker 2: Yeah, they have sweatshirts and swag all with the different lines of the New York City subway. It's an iconic part of this city.
00:08:25
Speaker 1: So these folks who have already made a historic mark, they will forever be a part of the history of the Empire State too. They made a stop heading down to the This makes you think they're locals, right, they know to take the train.
00:08:38
Speaker 2: Yeah, that's the fastest way to get anywhere in the city, no question.
00:08:41
Speaker 1: So they're making their way down the train to the train the steps, and yes the press is following them, and robes. They stop in the exact perfect spot, which is several spots down as you're walking down into the subway, but before you get underground and you're still hitting some sunlight. Robes. They stopped right in the middle of those the mill of those steps. And they didn't just kiss robes. They put on a show.
00:09:08
Speaker 2: You called it a love Island kiss.
00:09:09
Speaker 1: It was. They went at it. They went at it. It was just missing Ariono Mattox and some whipped cream.
00:09:15
Speaker 2: But yes they made out, and oh they gave the photographers there a total show and just it again. They're just joyful, spreading love. But now, yes, they are facing serious charges. And in fact, the attorney said, yes, a plea negotiation is possible. I think we could hope for that. Do we really want this to go to trial? Do we really want to have some massive criminal proceedings with these folks. But he did mention that a threat of deportation is on the table. This couple is from Russia.
00:09:46
Speaker 1: What's their status though he said.
00:09:48
Speaker 2: That they are. I don't know what their status is, but he the attorney said it like this. I believe they are in the United States legally.
00:09:56
Speaker 1: I need a stronger answer from the attorney than that.
00:09:59
Speaker 2: It wasn't that's wrong. I believe they are in the US legally, And he did mention they live in East Orange, New Jersey, so they are local ish.
00:10:08
Speaker 1: But that growth they can use that against them. You are here as a guest. If they're not permanent residents', you don't have free use of all of our rights and privileges here, which means we can get your ass out if you do something we don't like. Robe. This is uh. I mean, I hope it was worth it to them as far as the criminality of it. As much as you know, I loved it. I was hooped in Holland. I says, the best engagement photo I've ever seen in my life, and it will go down in history. But roabes, when you listen to the police commissioner and see some of the body cam video, we had to send members of the New York Police Department up to get them. Folks that we pay salaries for these are our people up there in harm's way unnecessarily because of some mediacy. You could make that argument. I will listen to that.
00:10:51
Speaker 2: It's a really good point. And actually to that point, they actually said the reason why they had such a long time up there, a large amount of time the helicopters to get up to get all those iconic shots, for him to take the time to get down on one knee and propose to her, because they said it took them thirty minutes to turn off the antenna. They didn't want police to even get near that needle until the needle was turned off. They actually shut down the electricity up to that needle to get up there or to get close to the folks to bring them down. So that was a process thirty minutes long to do all of that, and that's why they had all that time up at the top that we all got to look at those photos.
00:11:32
Speaker 1: You're endangering that did part of it? Rolls in God forbid? Right, people be asking they'd throw the book at them if God forbid a police officer. I had Guiden absolutely injured in some way. But I guess the result, the outcome, I guess should impact the punishment, but the crime is the same.
00:11:51
Speaker 2: That is true. When we come back, we're going to talk about the why behind this stunt, what we heard from Birkus, what he actually told Lease when they were arrested. But then interestingly, we also heard from his father who was telling a much different story. And welcome back everyone to this episode of Amy and TJ where we are talking about the newly engaged couple where Ivan proposed to Angela up way up on the Empire State Building at the Needle and I say yes, the newly engaged couple who is now facing several felony charges, but also facing some scrutiny because now we are hearing from his father, Berkus's father. He told ABC News that this was all just a massive publicity stunt and that the couple is already married. Say what, can this not be confirmed or denied on their records? Can we find this out? That changes everything? Doesn't it?
00:13:06
Speaker 1: This turns out to be true. I am going to turn on this couple publicly and strongly.
00:13:11
Speaker 2: Absolutely.
00:13:12
Speaker 1: I absolutely am Robes because well, I guess it's obvious you bringing me along for something I'm supposed to embrace as beautiful. That's really just meant to fool or to promote or obviously it's all a selfish act. You can argue, but love is something that I will I will err on the side of. But if you tell them you just you're using that as a ruse almost to promote something else, I'm gonna take issue with it.
00:13:40
Speaker 2: So yes, I'll wait, yeah, well wait, because look, I've been told detectives as he was being arrested. This was actually in the indictment, this was read alout on court in court yesterday, that he had to do something special for his engagement, and given all that they had done in the world, he picked this place to make it exc for his proposal. So he absolutely stood by that said that to detectives. This is the narrative that's in the court. So I look, I'm curious why his father would even contradict him like they must have They must not be close, because why would his father say this to reporters and completely upend the story and completely take away from this moment that his son is creating by saying it's just a stunt. They're already married. I mean, they obviously could not be on good terms for his father to have said.
00:14:35
Speaker 1: But it might have been just an inadvertent slip, or it might not have been malicious, is what I'm saying. I could see a day I could see your dad, my dad's slipping up and revealing something if somebody asked them about us. I just if that's the case. I just added, I hold out the possibility that this was not malicious and he just let something out that he should not have.
00:14:55
Speaker 2: Hmmm, well, I do know that there are obviously going to be journalists detectives on the case, because this shouldn't be difficult to find out. I don't know if they got married in Russia, maybe it would be difficult to find out.
00:15:07
Speaker 1: Maybe.
00:15:08
Speaker 2: Look, sometimes people claim they're married because they've been living together for long enough, it's common law. I don't know what different people's versions of marriage is. So maybe that could be where it is that they're not officially on the books married, but they're like it's like they're married, or they've acted like a married couple. They've been together for a very long time. But look, she had the engagement ring. I mean, well, I want to know more. I want to actually hear from them and say, explain why his father would come out and say that publicly, because that does that does change this story.
00:15:44
Speaker 1: Snit the ca ah.
00:15:47
Speaker 2: Yeah, but look, the attorney had their attorney has has also. Even though they didn't say much other than we love New York, their attorney did speak to reporters after the court hearing yesterday, and I look, I kind of I hear what he's saying. He's talking about the choice to really throw a lot of charges at this couple. He said, they're trying to send a message. As far as what I've seen, and I'm sure you've all seen, it was a message of love, and you know that's a nice thing. So do we forgive them because this is about love? I don't think we forgive them, but maybe that's taken into consideration. But hell, if they didn't actually get engaged, if they're already married, I think a lot of people will be like, yeah, go ahead, throw the book at the way.
00:16:29
Speaker 1: Well, what if he just went up there. What if there were some couple of kids up there, Daredevil's that did this had nothing to do with an engagement. What if somebody went up there and just wanted to make a political statement. Would we be looking at this any differently? Yes? And I think that is the answer. So I think we kind of do need the answer if we think, if we thought this is just a part of a promotion to promote themselves, to promote a movie, to promote a project, We're not gonna like that.
00:16:52
Speaker 2: No, people are going to be outraged. I think the only reason why people were kind of cheering them on and this story puts a smile on a lot of spaces is because it is, or we thought. We hope it actually was about love. So we shall see, but until then, we always appreciate you listening to us. Everyone. I'm Amy Roboch alongside TJ. Holmes. We'll talk to you soon.
Speaker 1: Hey, they're folks. It is Friday, July third. Two of the most talked about couples in all of New York are having a hell of a week. One couple's getting married at an iconic spot in New York. The other got engaged at a very iconic spot. Then they got arrested, and then they gave us another great picture and with that, welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ. This couple knows how to put on a show robes and they know how to use some iconic New York City backgrounds to do it. Ah, I didn't mind this so much.
00:00:35
Speaker 2: Yes, we're talking about Angela Nicolaw and Ivan Berkiss. That is the newly engaged couple who got engaged on top of the Empire State Building. Now they yeah, that's yeah. We'll get into that because there is some there are some conflicting reports about the status of their relationship, but we'll get into that in just a bit. But yeah, we're not talking about getting engaged on the observation deck. I'm sure by this point you all have seen the unbelievable proposal on the spire on the needle of the Empire State Building, a place that well you're not supposed to be. In fact, it's supposed we were looking at how dangerous it actually was, not just that you might fall, but actually from what that needle actually does broadcasting radio frequencies. It's apparently it can be harmful to the human body just to be near it.
00:01:28
Speaker 1: You remember that, I know you remember the scene from the show We Love Below Deck when a couple of deckhands went up to the top where the radar and all that stuff. Wasn't that are you idiots crazy? You're gonna fry yourselves up there? So yeah, I thought about that moment. But yes, it's not just a matter you can fall, you can actually do other harm to yourself. So yes, we were celebrating, and I guess we can smile and we can say it's a sweet story in the picture because we saw an engagement and that's supposed to be great. But this was dangerous and they did endanger other people, in particular police officers who had to go up there and get them correct.
00:01:59
Speaker 2: So they were in court on Thursday, and we're learning a bunch of new details about how they pulled this off and the unbelievable charges they're facing because they are they are they threw the book at this couple. So we also found out in order to pull this off, they actually spent the night in the Empire State Building. That's kind of incredible that they weren't found. They weren't caught. Aren't their cameras everywhere?
00:02:25
Speaker 1: Yeah, it's incredible and criminal. Now some of the details not coming on in court. You don't you go away from all this is a sweet story. I mean, Rod, just think if these folks were not there to have a sweet moment, and these were criminals who were there to do harm, they would have done that harm. This is a big deal.
00:02:45
Speaker 2: Yeah, and you know what, this is a wake up call to security there at that building, because yes, you get up on top of that building, think about I don't even want to. I don't want to think about all the things that somebody could do from that height to this city, if they wanted to launch something from that place.
00:03:02
Speaker 1: They wed. They say they were able to at least get through the building with what robbery tool, burglary tool something they've been charged. So they carried enough equipment that it sounds like they could have done some harm. If they wanted to robes it could have gotten more in if they wanted to. So, yeah, the story is taking on a little more seriousness.
00:03:19
Speaker 2: Yes, And so here's what we know, at least what came out in court on Thursday. So we know the couple bought tickets Tuesday night to go up to the observation deck. But yes, they secretly spent the night. They believe they actually when going back through the security cameras. This is what's crazy. Is no one monitoring these cameras because they had video of these two at five a m. The next day Wednesday, It caught them going through a hatch on the one hundred and second floor. Why was nobody watching said security camera?
00:03:54
Speaker 1: But that's the thing. What's the point of the security game? So why even have it so.
00:03:57
Speaker 2: After the fact you can charge people with things? Know, that point would be that you catch people while they're doing said criminal acts.
00:04:04
Speaker 1: And who know if somebody's supposed to be watching that constantly rose But if it sounds like a place people aren't supposed to be, there's not an alert system to let you know that there's some activity that that part is bizarre. And you picture that scene that you see in movies all the time with some security guard with it's feed up on the thing, paying attention to something else, and he misses the criminal on the computer screen right in front of him.
00:04:26
Speaker 2: I think that's sandwich or or sleeping or whatever.
00:04:30
Speaker 1: Money get fired over this.
00:04:31
Speaker 2: They should, I absolutely think somebody shouldn't.
00:04:34
Speaker 1: Shouldn't they well held responsible? I thought a little, But who knows. I don't know. It might not be somebody's fault. It might be a system, It might be the whole system that is the problem. But well, if you're not supposed to be able to go sleep in the Empire State Building in a secure area, you're not supposed to be able to do that.
00:04:51
Speaker 2: You're not supposed to be able to do that. So we don't. I don't actually know where they slept. They haven't detailed that, but we just know at five am, Yes, they went through this hatch on one hundred and second floor. Then they say there was a lock on the security door to the one hundred fourth floor that was broken. And then they say it appears that the couple, yes, had tools, as you mentioned, they brought with them to loosen the brackets to access this stairwell, and so that is how they got up. And they believed that the couple may have been up there several times to observe some employees. They're at the Empire State Building and they used a worker entrance to get around screening, so they had been scoping.
00:05:34
Speaker 1: This out a worker entrance to get around screenings.
00:05:37
Speaker 2: How's the fact that it was that easy to do that the.
00:05:39
Speaker 1: Building needs to close for them to figure that out that easy? We used a an to prevent screen so they could have carried anything.
00:05:46
Speaker 2: Correct, So that's why they got the tools in. They used a worker's entrance, so they believe they've they'd gone to this building several times to look and see how can we do this, how can we circumvent security? And seems like they did it pretty damn easily. And yes, we did learn that there is danger from the antenna because they said in court it emits high frequency radio signals that are powerful enough to cause harm to the human body. That's scary stuff.
00:06:14
Speaker 1: I'm sure. And again they have done this for years around the world. I assume they looked into this a little bit. These don't seem like as crazy as this stuff seems. And we call them daredevils. These are, in my experience, ropes, these type of climbers are some of the safest people I know. They do take precautions. They're not just idiots. These are not two randos who just decided to go up and do this. So whatever level of danger I'm sure they had looked into, but still to hear that robes, we're looking and thinking, oh my god, are they gonna fall? They had other stuff to worry about it.
00:06:47
Speaker 2: Uh yeah, things that I wasn't even considering. So now, yes, this couple is facing multiple felonies, babe, including reckless endangerment and burglary. I mean, you're talking years and years and years in prison. Now. They didn't enter a plea yesterday, and the judge did allow them to leave. We'll talk about their departure from the court because that is also now making headlines and providing some wonderful photos. But they said a supervised release. I don't They said it would be like a loosely supervised release. Not really sure what that means. They're going to be monitored. They live in East Orange, New Jersey, I believe. So. Look, they were all smiles for the cameras as they left the court. Can you imagine the press gaggle out there waiting for them and so they didn't say anything. I believe in he said, we love New York. I believe that's the only thing he said, we love New York. They're smiling, they're holding hands, they look like the happiest newly engaged couple ever. And then came the moment, the big photo op.
00:07:48
Speaker 1: Did you see what train line it was? I didn't see it. But there are few things everybody immediately recognize, no matter where you are in the world, about New York. You immediately recognize the Statue of Liberty. You understand the Empire State Building, and you understand New York City cabs, and you know subways. Subways are just a part of our identity here, right ropes and as scary as they can be at times, So we have all kinds of issues. It's almost something that tourists have to do here.
00:08:17
Speaker 2: Yeah, they have sweatshirts and swag all with the different lines of the New York City subway. It's an iconic part of this city.
00:08:25
Speaker 1: So these folks who have already made a historic mark, they will forever be a part of the history of the Empire State too. They made a stop heading down to the This makes you think they're locals, right, they know to take the train.
00:08:38
Speaker 2: Yeah, that's the fastest way to get anywhere in the city, no question.
00:08:41
Speaker 1: So they're making their way down the train to the train the steps, and yes the press is following them, and robes. They stop in the exact perfect spot, which is several spots down as you're walking down into the subway, but before you get underground and you're still hitting some sunlight. Robes. They stopped right in the middle of those the mill of those steps. And they didn't just kiss robes. They put on a show.
00:09:08
Speaker 2: You called it a love Island kiss.
00:09:09
Speaker 1: It was. They went at it. They went at it. It was just missing Ariono Mattox and some whipped cream.
00:09:15
Speaker 2: But yes they made out, and oh they gave the photographers there a total show and just it again. They're just joyful, spreading love. But now, yes, they are facing serious charges. And in fact, the attorney said, yes, a plea negotiation is possible. I think we could hope for that. Do we really want this to go to trial? Do we really want to have some massive criminal proceedings with these folks. But he did mention that a threat of deportation is on the table. This couple is from Russia.
00:09:46
Speaker 1: What's their status though he said.
00:09:48
Speaker 2: That they are. I don't know what their status is, but he the attorney said it like this. I believe they are in the United States legally.
00:09:56
Speaker 1: I need a stronger answer from the attorney than that.
00:09:59
Speaker 2: It wasn't that's wrong. I believe they are in the US legally, And he did mention they live in East Orange, New Jersey, so they are local ish.
00:10:08
Speaker 1: But that growth they can use that against them. You are here as a guest. If they're not permanent residents', you don't have free use of all of our rights and privileges here, which means we can get your ass out if you do something we don't like. Robe. This is uh. I mean, I hope it was worth it to them as far as the criminality of it. As much as you know, I loved it. I was hooped in Holland. I says, the best engagement photo I've ever seen in my life, and it will go down in history. But roabes, when you listen to the police commissioner and see some of the body cam video, we had to send members of the New York Police Department up to get them. Folks that we pay salaries for these are our people up there in harm's way unnecessarily because of some mediacy. You could make that argument. I will listen to that.
00:10:51
Speaker 2: It's a really good point. And actually to that point, they actually said the reason why they had such a long time up there, a large amount of time the helicopters to get up to get all those iconic shots, for him to take the time to get down on one knee and propose to her, because they said it took them thirty minutes to turn off the antenna. They didn't want police to even get near that needle until the needle was turned off. They actually shut down the electricity up to that needle to get up there or to get close to the folks to bring them down. So that was a process thirty minutes long to do all of that, and that's why they had all that time up at the top that we all got to look at those photos.
00:11:32
Speaker 1: You're endangering that did part of it? Rolls in God forbid? Right, people be asking they'd throw the book at them if God forbid a police officer. I had Guiden absolutely injured in some way. But I guess the result, the outcome, I guess should impact the punishment, but the crime is the same.
00:11:51
Speaker 2: That is true. When we come back, we're going to talk about the why behind this stunt, what we heard from Birkus, what he actually told Lease when they were arrested. But then interestingly, we also heard from his father who was telling a much different story. And welcome back everyone to this episode of Amy and TJ where we are talking about the newly engaged couple where Ivan proposed to Angela up way up on the Empire State Building at the Needle and I say yes, the newly engaged couple who is now facing several felony charges, but also facing some scrutiny because now we are hearing from his father, Berkus's father. He told ABC News that this was all just a massive publicity stunt and that the couple is already married. Say what, can this not be confirmed or denied on their records? Can we find this out? That changes everything? Doesn't it?
00:13:06
Speaker 1: This turns out to be true. I am going to turn on this couple publicly and strongly.
00:13:11
Speaker 2: Absolutely.
00:13:12
Speaker 1: I absolutely am Robes because well, I guess it's obvious you bringing me along for something I'm supposed to embrace as beautiful. That's really just meant to fool or to promote or obviously it's all a selfish act. You can argue, but love is something that I will I will err on the side of. But if you tell them you just you're using that as a ruse almost to promote something else, I'm gonna take issue with it.
00:13:40
Speaker 2: So yes, I'll wait, yeah, well wait, because look, I've been told detectives as he was being arrested. This was actually in the indictment, this was read alout on court in court yesterday, that he had to do something special for his engagement, and given all that they had done in the world, he picked this place to make it exc for his proposal. So he absolutely stood by that said that to detectives. This is the narrative that's in the court. So I look, I'm curious why his father would even contradict him like they must have They must not be close, because why would his father say this to reporters and completely upend the story and completely take away from this moment that his son is creating by saying it's just a stunt. They're already married. I mean, they obviously could not be on good terms for his father to have said.
00:14:35
Speaker 1: But it might have been just an inadvertent slip, or it might not have been malicious, is what I'm saying. I could see a day I could see your dad, my dad's slipping up and revealing something if somebody asked them about us. I just if that's the case. I just added, I hold out the possibility that this was not malicious and he just let something out that he should not have.
00:14:55
Speaker 2: Hmmm, well, I do know that there are obviously going to be journalists detectives on the case, because this shouldn't be difficult to find out. I don't know if they got married in Russia, maybe it would be difficult to find out.
00:15:07
Speaker 1: Maybe.
00:15:08
Speaker 2: Look, sometimes people claim they're married because they've been living together for long enough, it's common law. I don't know what different people's versions of marriage is. So maybe that could be where it is that they're not officially on the books married, but they're like it's like they're married, or they've acted like a married couple. They've been together for a very long time. But look, she had the engagement ring. I mean, well, I want to know more. I want to actually hear from them and say, explain why his father would come out and say that publicly, because that does that does change this story.
00:15:44
Speaker 1: Snit the ca ah.
00:15:47
Speaker 2: Yeah, but look, the attorney had their attorney has has also. Even though they didn't say much other than we love New York, their attorney did speak to reporters after the court hearing yesterday, and I look, I kind of I hear what he's saying. He's talking about the choice to really throw a lot of charges at this couple. He said, they're trying to send a message. As far as what I've seen, and I'm sure you've all seen, it was a message of love, and you know that's a nice thing. So do we forgive them because this is about love? I don't think we forgive them, but maybe that's taken into consideration. But hell, if they didn't actually get engaged, if they're already married, I think a lot of people will be like, yeah, go ahead, throw the book at the way.
00:16:29
Speaker 1: Well, what if he just went up there. What if there were some couple of kids up there, Daredevil's that did this had nothing to do with an engagement. What if somebody went up there and just wanted to make a political statement. Would we be looking at this any differently? Yes? And I think that is the answer. So I think we kind of do need the answer if we think, if we thought this is just a part of a promotion to promote themselves, to promote a movie, to promote a project, We're not gonna like that.
00:16:52
Speaker 2: No, people are going to be outraged. I think the only reason why people were kind of cheering them on and this story puts a smile on a lot of spaces is because it is, or we thought. We hope it actually was about love. So we shall see, but until then, we always appreciate you listening to us. Everyone. I'm Amy Roboch alongside TJ. Holmes. We'll talk to you soon.