Internet freezes for ‘mannequin challenge’ craze

Forget dumping ice buckets, dancing or planking, the latest viral phenomenon sweeping the internet consists of people standing still as part of the “mannequin challenge.”

Videos of the challenge feature posing as mannequins in dramatic postures. They began to appear late last month online and by last weekend everyone from high school cheerleaders in Texas to the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks had taken part.

The Dallas Cowboys went airborne for their challenge, complete with a stoic Tony Romo being stuffed into an overhead compartment on the team plane.

The challenge has become a victory celebration for some teams. Texas Christian, Penn State and Clemson’s football teams posted mannequin challenges after big wins Saturday.

The videos are set to the song “Black Beatles” by rap duo Rae Sremmurd, which held a live version of the challenge during a concert last week.

Associated Press