As anticipated, the title of Zimbabwe’s Mister Ugly for 2015 was most coveted yet in the history of the beauty contest with a twist. 42-year-old unemployed, Maison Sere was crowned Zimbabwe's ugliest man at a pub pageant in Harare.
Maison Sere, who was missing several teeth and dressed in torn overalls, beat off five other contestants for the $500 Mr Ugly prize but the contest turned ugly when the runner-up accused judges of bias.William Masvinu, a three-time Mr Ugly winner who walked off with a $100 second prize this year, cried foul.
"The judges were not fair, the organisers must look for new judges to start the contest afresh. I did not lose today," Masvinu said.
William Masvinu has held the title since 2012. He still works at a market in Harare, hauling vegetables for $10 a day. He had hoped the wins would lead to advertising contracts but they haven’t materialized.
But a jubilant Maison Sere,wouldn't let the accusations mare his victory, he told journalists during a night of festivities Friday attended by 200 revellers:
Show organiser David Machowa said he created the pageant in 2012 to celebrate "beauty in ugliness".
"The show last night was very successful, and I still have plans to host Mr Ugly world," he said.
