The “Ice Challenge” has exploded onto social media, succeeding as a popular way to bring awareness to the neurodegenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Celebrities, too, have accepted the challenge, “tagging” other celebrities along the way. Hollywood star Vin Diesel took the celebrity tag chain a step further and challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to dump a bucket of ice water on his head.
In addition to the Russian leader, Diesel also challenged First Lady Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie. It is unknown why Diesel chose Putin, but the limelight-loving president has shown an interest over the years in the company of Hollywood hotshots. As an action star, Diesel may have a better chance at attracting Putin’s attention – Putin is very close to Steven Seagal, Mickey Rourke, and Gerard Depardieu.
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Lenta.ru he does not know if Putin will accept the challenge. “We have a different agenda,” Peskov told the website, not clarifying how their agenda differs from those fighting ALS.
People question the challenge, but the ALS foundation reported $15.6 million since late July. The group only raised $1.8 million in the same time period in 2013. President George Bush took part in the Ice Challenge on Wednesday after his daughter Jenna Bush Hager challenged him.
Considering the fact Putin adores to show off his physique it would be surprising if he turned down the challenge.