It’s not often we talk about beauty in a way that challenges our deepest biases, yet the stories of women labeled the “ugliest woman in the world” force us to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s obsession with looks. These women, often thrust into the spotlight not by choice, have lived extraordinary lives that go far beyond appearances. From Mary Ann Bevan to Lizzie Velasquez, the term “ugliest woman in the world” has been used to shock, entertain, and sometimes even inspire.

So, why do we still talk about this label today? Maybe because the real story behind it isn’t about looks at all—it’s about resilience, identity, and the human spirit. Whether it was for survival, advocacy, or personal growth, these women redefined what it means to be beautiful in a world that often equates worth with appearance.

In this piece, we’ll explore the lives of those who bore this controversial title, the societal context that allowed such labels to exist, and how their stories continue to impact conversations about body image and self-worth today.

• Robert Prevost Jd Vance

Table of Contents

• Mary Ann Bevan: The First “Ugliest Woman”
• Lizzie Velasquez: A Modern Icon
• The Psychology Behind the Label
• How Beauty Standards Have Changed
• FAQ

Mary Ann Bevan: The First “Ugliest Woman”

Mary Ann Bevan wasn’t always known for her looks—actually, she was a nurse in London with four children, living a fairly ordinary life in the early 1900s. But everything changed when she developed a condition that altered her facial structure. At the time, medical understanding of such conditions was limited, and people were more likely to gawk than to understand.

Back then, sideshows and freak shows were a common form of entertainment. People paid to see the unusual, the bizarre, the “ugly.” Mary Ann became one of the most famous attractions in that world. She was billed as the “Ugliest Woman in the World,” and for many years, she toured with circuses across the globe.

It might seem strange that someone would choose to be part of such a spectacle, but for Mary Ann, it was a way to survive. She was a single mother, desperate to provide for her children. Entering a contest for the “homeliest woman alive” at a local fair wasn’t her first choice, but it was a choice she made with courage.

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Mary Ann Bevan: A Quick Look at Her Life

Lizzie Velasquez: A Modern Icon

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and we meet another woman who was called the ugliest in the world—this time not in a circus tent, but online. Lizzie Velasquez, a young woman from Texas, became the subject of cruel online comments and viral videos that mocked her appearance. At just 27 kilograms and with a rare disorder that prevented her from gaining weight, she looked different from most people.

Unlike Mary Ann, Lizzie had the internet at her fingertips. Rather than hiding from the world, she fought back with words, videos, and public speaking. She turned her pain into purpose, advocating for kindness, self-love, and anti-bullying.

Lizzie’s story is not just about being labeled the “ugliest woman in the world.” It’s about how she chose to respond. She learned of a video that called her “the world’s ugliest woman” when she was just 17. The video had millions of views, filled with hate. But instead of letting it break her, she made a video response that would go on to change her life.

Her TED Talk, which she gave as an adult, became a viral hit. In it, she talked about the moment she realized that the world’s opinion of her didn’t define her. That talk, and the book she later wrote, helped countless people feel seen, heard, and understood.

The Psychology Behind the Label

Why do people label others as the “ugliest woman in the world”? It might have to do with fear, curiosity, or even a need to feel superior. When someone looks different, especially in ways that are hard to understand, it triggers a reaction in the brain that can either lead to empathy or to judgment.

Back in Mary Ann’s time, people didn’t have the same understanding of medical conditions or body diversity that we do today. The idea of someone looking “ugly” was often tied to superstition, fear of the unknown, or even moral judgments. People thought that if you looked different, you must be bad, cursed, or somehow lesser.

Today, things have changed, but not completely. The internet allows people to hide behind anonymity, making it easier to say hurtful things. Lizzie Velasquez became a victim of this kind of cruelty, but she also became a symbol of strength. She showed that the label “ugliest woman in the world” doesn’t have power unless you give it to it.

How Beauty Standards Have Changed

Beauty is not fixed. It changes with time, culture, and context. In the early 1900s, Mary Ann Bevan was considered ugly because her face was shaped differently. Today, we know that her condition was likely a form of acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that causes bones to grow abnormally. But back then, there was no such understanding.

Fast forward to now, and beauty standards have shifted dramatically. We’ve moved from rigid ideals of symmetry and slimness to a more inclusive understanding of beauty. But that shift didn’t happen overnight. It came through the courage of people like Lizzie and Mary Ann, who lived their lives in the public eye, forcing society to rethink its definitions.

Here’s a quick look at how beauty standards have evolved over the decades:

• 1900s: Soft features, pale skin, modest dress
• 1920s: Flapper style, short hair, slim figures
• 1950s: Hourglass figures, glamour, femininity
• 1990s: Slim, androgynous models, minimal makeup
• 2010s–Now: Body positivity, natural looks, diversity

Lizzie Velasquez didn’t just live through these changes—she helped shape them. Her advocacy, her books, and her viral videos have made people question whether beauty should be defined by looks at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was called the ugliest woman in the world first?

Mary Ann Bevan, a nurse from London, was the first known woman to be labeled the “ugliest woman in the world” in the early 1900s. She was known for her distinctive facial features, which were the result of a medical condition.

Is Lizzie Velasquez still alive?

Unfortunately, Lizzie Velasquez passed away in 2018 at the age of 35. Her legacy lives on through her books, YouTube channel, and advocacy work.

What condition did Mary Ann Bevan have?

Mary Ann Bevan likely suffered from acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that causes bones to grow abnormally. This would explain the changes in her facial structure and overall appearance.

While we can’t know for sure since she lived before modern diagnostics, experts believe this to be the most likely explanation based on photographs and descriptions from the time.

Why do people label others as the ugliest in the world?

Labels like “ugliest woman in the world” often come from a mix of fear, ignorance, and a lack of understanding. They can also be a way for people to feel in control or to distance themselves from what they consider different or uncomfortable.

But as we’ve seen with both Mary Ann Bevan and Lizzie Velasquez, those labels can be reclaimed. They don’t define a person’s worth, and in many cases, they’ve been used as a springboard for empowerment and advocacy.

Learn more about how beauty standards have evolved over time here.

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