The Unflinching Stories Of 5 People Once Called ‘The Ugliest In The World’—And What They Did Next

The search for "what is the ugliest person in the world" is a deeply subjective and often cruel query, yet it reveals powerful, inspirational stories of individuals who were unfairly labeled but chose to redefine their own narratives. As of late 2025, no official global record exists for the "ugliest person," but history and the internet have cruelly assigned this title to several people, transforming their lives in unexpected ways. This article dives into the biographies of those who faced this harsh label head-on, turning public mockery into platforms for activism, self-acceptance, and profound global change. The true answer to this question isn't a name, but a lesson in perspective, revealing the arbitrary and often brutal nature of societal beauty standards. The people listed below, from a 1900s mother to a modern-day activist, are celebrated not for their appearance, but for their resilience, courage, and the powerful messages they now share with the world.

Lizzie Velásquez: The Woman Who Turned a Cruel Label into Global Activism

Lizzie Velásquez is arguably the most recognized contemporary figure associated with this title, a label cruelly thrust upon her by a viral YouTube video in 2006.

• Full Name: Elizabeth Ann Velásquez
• Born: March 13, 1989 (Age 36 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Austin, Texas, USA
• Condition/Diagnosis: A rare, undiagnosed congenital disease, often described as a form of Neonatal Progeroid Syndrome (NPS) or Marfanoid–Progeroid–Lipodystrophy (MPL) Syndrome. The condition prevents her from accumulating body fat, resulting in a very low body weight and distinctive facial features.
• Key Achievements: Motivational Speaker, Author, Anti-Bullying Activist, Producer of the documentary *A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velásquez Story* (2015).
• Education: Texas State University (Communications major).
• Current Status: Continues to tour globally, delivering powerful keynotes on self-acceptance, resilience, and the dangers of cyberbullying.

The Viral Video and Her Triumphant Response

In 2006, when Lizzie was 17, an anonymous user posted a video of her on YouTube titled "The World's Ugliest Woman," which quickly garnered millions of views and thousands of vile comments, including suggestions that she should end her own life. Instead of retreating, Velásquez made a courageous decision to use the video as a catalyst for change. She began her career as a motivational speaker, using her personal story to advocate against bullying and promote body positivity. Her TEDx Talk, "How Do YOU Define Yourself?," has been viewed tens of millions of times, establishing her as a global voice for those who feel marginalized. Her work emphasizes that a person's worth is not defined by their physical appearance or the opinions of others.

Historical Figures and the Cruelty of the 'Ugliest' Label

The internet is not the first medium to exploit physical differences for public spectacle. The search for the "ugliest person" has historical roots, often tied to poverty, medical conditions, and exploitation.

Mary Ann Bevan: The Tragic Story of the 'Homeliest Woman'

Mary Ann Bevan (1874–1933) is a powerful example of a woman forced by circumstance to embrace the cruel label of "ugliest woman." * The Condition: After marrying and having four children, Mary Ann developed acromegaly, a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, which causes the enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features. * The Necessity: Following her husband's death, Mary Ann was left impoverished and needed to support her children. In the early 1900s, she entered and won a contest for the "Ugliest Woman in the World." * The Exploitation: She subsequently worked in American side shows and circuses, including the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, enduring public mockery to earn enough money to raise her family. Her story is a heartbreaking testament to the lengths a mother will go to for her children, highlighting the harsh societal judgment of physical difference at the time.

Maurice Tillet: 'The French Angel' Wrestler

Maurice Tillet (1903–1954), a Russian-born French professional wrestler known as "The French Angel," was also once labeled the "World's Ugliest Man." * The Condition: At age 20, Tillet was diagnosed with acromegaly, the same condition as Mary Ann Bevan, which drastically altered his appearance. * The Career: Despite the cruel nickname, Tillet became a highly successful and popular professional wrestler in the 1940s, known for his formidable strength and unique physique. He was a two-time world heavyweight champion, proving that his physical differences did not prevent him from achieving fame and success.

The Modern 'Mr. Ugly' Contest in Zimbabwe

In a unique cultural context, the "Mr Ugly" competition in Zimbabwe is a more recent example of a formal contest that seeks to celebrate, rather than mock, unconventional looks. * The Intent: The competition, which has run for several years, aims to celebrate "ugliness" as a form of unique beauty and character, often with prize money. The judges evaluate contestants based on their facial expressions, confidence, and overall presentation of their 'ugliness.' * Key Winners: * William Masvinu: A perennial winner who has dominated the contest, winning the title multiple times. * Maison Sere: Won the title in 2015, which sparked controversy from Masvinu, who argued Sere's "ugliness" was based on a lack of teeth, whereas his own was natural. * Sebabi: Another individual who has been widely called the "Ugliest Man in the World" in online circles, often associated with the Zimbabwean contest. While the contest is framed as a celebration of difference, it remains a controversial event that highlights the complex and often uncomfortable relationship society has with non-traditional beauty.

The Deeper Truth: Redefining Beauty and Self-Worth

The enduring curiosity about "the ugliest person in the world" is less about finding a definitive answer and more about humanity's fixation on the extremes of physical appearance. The stories of people like Lizzie Velásquez and Mary Ann Bevan offer a profound counter-narrative.

The Subjectivity of the Label

The concept of "ugly" is not a scientific or objective measure; it is a subjective social construct that changes across cultures and time periods. What one society deems unattractive, another might revere as unique or powerful. The individuals who have been labeled the "ugliest" often share a common thread: they have rare medical conditions (like acromegaly or NPS) that set them apart, making them easy targets for a society that fears difference.

A Shift in Perspective: From Victim to Voice

The true power of these stories lies in how the individuals reclaimed their narratives. Lizzie Velásquez took a label intended to crush her and used it to become a global anti-bullying advocate, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and inner beauty. She is a living testament to the fact that character, courage, and compassion are the only true measures of a person's worth. The modern body positivity movement, coupled with the rise of social media, has created a platform for countless people to reject arbitrary beauty standards. These platforms allow individuals to celebrate their unique features and challenge the media's narrow definitions of attractiveness. Ultimately, the question "who is the ugliest person in the world?" finds its most meaningful answer not in a name, but in the realization that ugliness is not a physical trait, but a state of mind—often manifested in the cruelty of those who judge others. The true heroes are those who choose to live beautifully, regardless of the labels placed upon them.