Reviewed by Soliu.
The top ugliest persons in the world include Godfrey Baguma, aka Ssebabi, Lizzie Velasquez, Jason Schechterle, Joshua Glen Box, Etienne Dumont, etc. Despite this, some has gone on to achieve great things, while the same can’t be said of others.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder – yet lists of the “ugliest people in the world” persist. These lists are usually based on superficial criteria, such as physical appearance and personal style. But what does it mean to be the ugliest person in the world?
While some people are born with features that are considered unattractive by society’s standards, others choose to alter their appearance in ways that some might consider “ugly.” For example, some people get extreme cosmetic surgeries or piercings that are not widely accepted by mainstream culture.
In some cases, people may purposely dress in a way that is considered unappealing or unkempt. This begs the question: does “ugliness” come from within or without?
Anyway, let’s look into the list of ugliest persons in the world right now.
Ugliest Persons in the World right now
1. Godfrey Baguma
Ssebabi, whose real name is Godfrey Baguma, hails from Mbarara, Uganda. His physical appearance, talents, creativity, and overall demeanor contributed to his notoriety. At 47, he is happily married to Kate, a woman of great charm.
Ssebabi’s current appearance is the result of a childhood journey. In his early years, he faced a peculiar ailment on one side of his face, resembling a tumor, which significantly altered his looks. Sadly, his mother, unable to cope with his health issues and changed appearance, abandoned him, leaving him under the care of his grandmother.
He was denied many opportunities due to his condition, such as socializing with others and participating in crowded public spaces like markets. He is regarded as an odd and unsightly figure; he spent his youth confined indoors, avoiding interactions with the outside world.
However, Godfrey took a courageous step into the limelight as he grew older. He entered a competition for the title of the “ugliest man on the planet,” a significant turning point in his life. Fortunately, Ssebabi emerged as the victor in this contest, marking the beginning of his career.
Beyond his distinctive appearance, Godfrey Baguma is a gifted singer and a talented stand-up comedian. Notably, he is also known for being married to two women, although he separated from his first wife due to issues of infidelity.
2. Lizzie Velasquez
Lizzie Velasquez is an incredible person who has overcome tremendous odds to become a successful author, motivational speaker, and anti-bullying activist. Velasquez was born with a rare medical condition that prevented her from gaining weight, and she was cruelly bullied throughout her childhood.
In 2006, Lizzie Velasquez stumbled upon a viral video on YouTube that labeled her the “world’s ugliest woman.” The video featured photos of Velasquez with cruel and hurtful captions. The video was viewed millions of times and caused Velasquez immense pain and humiliation.
She was shocked and devastated by the video, but she decided to use the experience to educate others about the harmful effects of online bullying. She has since spoken out against cyberbullying and has become an advocate for greater regulation of online content.
Velasquez has gone on to achieve great things and is an inspiration to others. She has written two books, given hundreds of speeches, and created a successful YouTube channel. She has also spoken about her experiences with body image and self-acceptance and encouraged others to embrace their unique beauty.
3. Jason Schechterle
In 2005, a taxi traveling over 100mph smashed into police officer Jason Schechterle’s patrol car while on duty. He was critically injured in that accident. He suffered extensive burns and facial disfigurement, and he was later labeled the “world’s ugliest man” by media outlets.
Jason Schechterle filed a lawsuit against the New York Post, a tabloid newspaper that had published a story about him with the headline “The World’s Ugliest Man.” The article included a photo of Schechterle with a graphic image of his injuries, and he sued the paper for invasion of privacy and emotional distress.
The lawsuit was ultimately settled out of court, and the settlement terms were not publicized. However, Schechterle’s attorney stated that the lawsuit had “succeeded in its intended purpose,” holding the media accountable for their actions.
The attention and scrutiny surrounding Schechterle’s appearance had a devastating effect on his mental health. He struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts crip in, but he eventually found the strength to persevere.
Today, Schechterle is an advocate for burn survivors and people with facial disfigurement. He believes that how people are treated by society can profoundly impact their mental health and self-esteem. He has said that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, irrespective of their appearance or other characteristics.
Watch this video about Jason Schechterle, where he talked about his life experiences:
Schechterle is a college graduate, husband, and father. He is also an outdoorsman and enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Schechterle’s story is not defined by the tragic events of his accident but rather by the way he has rebuilt his life and found meaning and purpose in his experiences.
4. Joshua Glen Box
Joshua Glen Box became a subject of public scrutiny in 2018 after he was accused of serious criminal conduct. He was born without the afflictions that later defined his appearance; Joshua’s life took a dark turn when he tried to take his own life, resulting in severe facial injuries.
This act was a response to legal charges against him. He survived the attempt, but it left him with a distinctive appearance, which led to people judging him on his looks and tagging him as one of the ugliest person in the world.
He’s often referred to as a man with no nose.
5. Etienne Dumont
Etienne Dumont is a widely recognized figure in Geneva for his contributions to art criticism and his extensively tattooed body. With a career spanning four decades, Dumont has established himself as one of Switzerland’s foremost art and cultural critics, writing for the Tribune de Genève.
His commitment to his craft is evident in his written work and how he has transformed his appearance as a form of personal expression and art. Dumont’s body is a canvas for an array of intricate tattoos covering nearly all his skin. These tattoos are not just for show; they symbolize his dedication to art in all its forms.
His modifications include large ear tunnels and silicone implants under his skin, which give his head a horned appearance. These choices have made him a subject of fascination and discussion within and beyond the art world. He has been celebrated in photographic exhibitions, such as at Geneva’s Krisal Gallery, showcasing his unique persona and tattooed body.
Dumont’s approach to body art reflects a broader trend where individuals use tattoos and modifications to push the boundaries of traditional beauty and self-expression.
Like other personalities who have undergone extensive modifications, like Erik Sprague (known as The Lizard Man), who has transformed his appearance into a lizard, Dumont’s modifications are a statement of identity and an embodiment of his life’s work in the arts.
6. William Masvinu
William Masvinu, a Zimbabwean known for his distinctive looks, turned his appearance into a career highlight by embracing the title of Zimbabwe’s ugliest man for several years. The “Mr. Ugly” contest in Zimbabwe is an annual event that celebrates unique and unconventional beauty standards, aiming to show that there is more to people than their physical appearance.
Masvinu enjoyed celebrity status, leveraging his title to gain endorsements and awards, and has been quite proud of his unique features. The competition began in 2010 and has seen Masvinu win multiple times, except in 2015 when Maison Sere took the title amidst controversy.
Contestants and fans argued Sere was not the ugliest and accused the competition of cheating, leading to riotous scenes when his victory was announced.
The “Mr. Ugly” contest has become popular, reflecting societal commentary on beauty and acceptance. Masvinu reclaimed his title in 2017, proving his iconic status in the competition. His experience underscores the contest’s underlying message: it challenges societal norms and opens discussions about the subjectivity of beauty.
Despite his fame from the contest, Masvinu has faced challenges due to his looks in the past, including difficulty finding employment and education.
Winners like Masvinu have found joy and acceptance in their uniqueness, demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude in adversity.
7. Maison Sere
Maison Sere is known for his unique dental attributes and expressive face; he gained international attention after being named the ugliest man in Zimbabwe through the “Mr. Ugly” competition. He claimed the title from the previous holder, William Masvinu, in 2015.
This victory stirred controversy and debate, as some argued that Sere’s lack of teeth was temporary and didn’t make him inherently ‘ugly .’Despite the disputes, Sere enjoyed the perks with the title, much like Masvinu did before him.
The “Mr. Ugly” contest isn’t just about appearances; it’s an event that questions and redefines beauty norms, providing a platform for those who don’t fit conventional beauty standards to be celebrated and recognized.
Sere, echoing sentiments that have been part of the competition’s fabric, has expressed that people often considered ‘ugly’ should have similar opportunities to those who are conventionally attractive, hinting at the potential for ‘ugly’ people also to model and represent brands.
8. Donatella Francesca Versace
Donatella Francesca Versace was born on May 2, 1955 in Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy. She is a businesswoman, fashion designer, and model widely recognized as the sister of Gianni Versace, the founder of the Versace brand. In 2024, Donatella’s appearance may not align with the conventional standards of beauty expected of a millionaire due to her cosmetic surgeries.
Following a surgery gone wrong, she now possesses significantly enlarged lips and an altered nose. Additionally, her eyes have become a cause for concern as they consistently appear dark, resembling those of a creature.
Her body proportions seem disproportionately small in contrast to her facial features, resulting in an uncomfortable overall appearance. Consequently, she is regarded as one of the ugliest people in the world.
9. Michael John Berryman
Michael was born on September 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, United States. Michael John Berryman is a character actor renowned for appearing in popular TV series like The X-Files and Star Trek.
Berryman is unique due to a rare condition known as hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, which affects his sweat glands, fingernails, and hair. His distinctive facial features have led to his recognition as one of the less attractive celebrities in America.
He has not gone through any surgical procedures or treatments to attain his distinctive appearance; instead, it is a result of Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia. This condition leads to abnormal human hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands development.
Some of you may remember the terrifying movie “The Hills Have Eyes,” and it seems that a real-life individual inspired this character’s appearance with this condition. Despite his unconventional and somewhat unappealing appearance due to his condition, he has successfully built a career based on his unique look.
10. Jocelyn Wildenstein
Jocelyn was born on September 7, 1940, in Lausanne, Switzerland. She is an American socialite who gained fame primarily as the former spouse of billionaire businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein. Throughout her life, Jocelyn has led a lavish lifestyle that eventually led to her declaring bankruptcy.
Despite her current age of 83, Jocelyn is often characterized as one of the ugliest persons in the world due to her extensive history of cosmetic surgeries. These facial procedures, which cost her millions of dollars, have left her with an appearance reminiscent of a feline.
11. Eric Sprague
Eric Sprague, also known as the Lizardman, gained fame for being among the early individuals to undergo tongue splitting. He is not born ugly; he only chooses that path for himself. At the age of 37, Eric underwent a remarkable transformation into a reptilian-like being.
This transformation involved 700 hours of tattooing, the insertion of five Teflon horns beneath his brow skin, the reshaping of his teeth into sharp fangs, the division of his tongue, and the elongation of his septum and earlobes.
12. Kala Kaiwi
Kala Kaiwi’s appearance is undeniably characterized by different peculiar features, such as pierced glasses near his ears and the presence of horns. These distinctive attributes warrant his inclusion on this list of the ugliest people in the world. His body is adorned with extensive tattoo artistry, enveloping nearly every inch of his skin.
Following his extensive tattoo work, Kala took the unconventional path of acquiring a tongue resembling a snake, silicon implants for horns, and metallic horns adorning his head.
As a consequence of his chaotic appearance, many mistakenly associate him with a shadow of Satan, carrying an aura of darkness, temptation, and evil.
13. Pauly Unstoppable
Pauly Unstoppable’s transformation is quite awkward, as he was handsome before his extensive tattooing and body modifications. However, His current appearance, with complete tattoo coverage and numerous piercings, can be startling and evoke fear.
Consequently, he is considered one of the ugliest in the world. Notable features include tunnel-like piercings in his ears and sizable rings adorning the openings in his nose.
His physical alterations are rather extreme, leading to his characterization as an exceptionally unconventional individual. One particularly striking choice is the division of his tongue into three parts, an action that some may find more unsettling than anything else.
Conclusion
Understand that this article on the top ugliest persons in the world is not meant to judge or shame anyone for their physical appearance. The point of this discussion is to explore the idea of beauty and how it can be defined and perceived. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and unique and that physical appearance is only one aspect of a person’s identity.
Instead of focusing on physical appearance, we should strive to find the beauty within each person, regardless of how they look on the outside. After all, a person’s true beauty comes from their character, values, and personality, not appearance.
Meanwhile, do you think there’s any merit to this list of ugliest person in the world? Let me know in the comments box.