Maison Des Champs, a 24-year-old content creator known as the “Pro-life Spiderman,” has stirred considerable controversy and legal trouble following his climb of the Las Vegas Sphere. This recent stunt captured the attention of countless onlookers and resulted in substantial damage to the venue, exceeding $100,000, according to police reports.
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Des Champs’ climb, aimed at raising funds for a homeless pregnant woman named Isabel to “cancel her abortion appointment,” has sparked a complex conversation about activism, property damage, and the limits of protest. The Sphere, a striking 366-foot-tall structure adorned with 58 million lights to create an expansive LED screen, was never designed to bear the weight of a human. Its exterior, so delicate that repair work is usually conducted from the inside to avoid any potential damage, suffered significantly as Des Champs stomped on countless lights during his ascent.
The Sphere’s vice president of security and threat management, Matthew German, highlighted the Exosphere’s fragility, underscoring the climb’s reckless nature. Des Champs, who filmed his daring feat to solicit donations for Isabel’s cause, has a history of similar stunts to raise awareness and funds for anti-abortion causes. His climbs, including the New York Times building in Manhattan, the Devon Tower in Oklahoma City, and the Accenture Tower in Chicago, have made headlines and led to multiple arrests, according to the New York Post.
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Yet, despite his history, Des Champs confidently told police he would not be convicted for his actions, citing his previous legal outcomes and his belief in his attorneys’ abilities to navigate his charges of destroying property greater than $5,000 and conspiracy to destroy private property.
The Sphere climb resulted in physical damage and raised concerns about potential intellectual property leaks, as the stunt was live-streamed. Law enforcement and venue officials were placed in a difficult position, ultimately conducting a rescue operation to remove Des Champs from the structure safely. The incident has led to the arrest of three others connected to the stunt, all of whom have been ordered to avoid the Strip corridor and cease contact with Des Champs as legal proceedings continue.
Des Champs’ actions, while intended to support a charitable cause, underscore the delicate balance between activism and respect for public and private property. As the case progresses, a court appearance is scheduled for February 12, the day after Isabel’s scheduled abortion.