A 24-year-old man, self-styled as “The Official Pro-Life Spider-Man,” was apprehended by Las Vegas authorities on February 7, after climbing the towering Sphere venue, standing at a height of 366 feet (112 meters).
The dangerous stunt occurred amid preparations for Las Vegas’s inaugural hosting of the Super Bowl, set to welcome over 330,000 visitors.
According to official reports, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police responded to multiple calls of a person ascending the Sphere’s exterior around 10 a.m.
The man, later identified as Maison Des Champs, streamed part of his ascent on social media.
In the footage, he articulated his intention to draw attention to his anti-abortion cause while fundraising for a homeless pregnant woman, purportedly aiming to dissuade her from seeking an abortion.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill condemned the act as a “publicity stunt” following Des Champs’ arrest.
He faces charges including felony destruction of personal property and conspiracy to destroy property.
Des Champs, a local rock climber, has a history of similar stunts in the past, having been previously arrested in August 2021 for scaling the Aria on the Strip during protests against COVID-19 mask mandates.
He describes himself as “The Official Pro-Life Spider-Man” across social media platforms and has garnered attention for similar acts, including scaling buildings in Phoenix and San Francisco.
Authorities and venue officials were thankful for police’s quick response, particularly given the heightened security measures in anticipation of the upcoming Super Bowl festivities.
The Sphere, located near Allegiant Stadium, is slated to feature NFL-related activations during the event.
Authorities said Des Champs posted bail, and faces upcoming court appearances related to the charges.
The Sphere’s management also had a message of appreciation for law enforcement’s intervention.
“We are grateful to the local authorities for their support in this matter,” a spokesperson with Sphere Entertainment wrote in a statement. “The individuals involved are currently in the custody of LVMPD.”
