MANILA, Philippines - The search for Zimbabwe's "ugliest man" turned ugly after the crowd insisted that the winner, Maison Sere is unattractive enough to bring home the title.
Maison dethroned the three-time winner William Masvinu, prompting the fans of William to mob the judges who decided upon the winner.
Controversy around 'Mr.Ugly' Zimbabwe competition https://t.co/YeNjCVpVGg #drama winner on left deemed too handsome pic.twitter.com/tW4eenOtTN
— Ryan O'Connor (@RyanOConnorZA) November 24, 2015
According to the fans, Maison is only ugly because he has no complete set of teeth, which is why he should have not been crowned. The judges are supposed to decide based on the natural ugliness and not disabilities.
Pageant organizer David Machowa however told AP that "facial features count the most, but contestants will also be judged according to their confidence when walking the runway and how they handle the question-and-answer round of the pageant."
Maison bested 35 competitors, flashing his toothless smile and series of grotesque expressions.
"They should just accept that I am uglier than them," Maison told AP. "I hope to get a TV contract. I already moved around schools performing and showcasing my ugliness so this is a chance to make it on TV."
Maison took home $500 and secured a spot on next year's competition.