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'Pedro Pascal was right there': People magazine slammed for crowning Patrick Dempsey Sexiest Man Alive for 2023

Several Internet users contend that Patrick Dempsey should not have been winner with 'Internet Daddy' Pedro Pascal on the list

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 2023 Sexiest Man Alive was unveiled on Tuesday, November 7 on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' after being selected by online voters during the fall.

Following in the footsteps of Paul Rudd, Chris Evans, and Michael B Jordan in recent years, 'Grey's Anatomy' star Patrick Dempsey was chosen as PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive for the 2023 issue.

The 57-year-old Dempsey is the second oldest man to have ever won the Sexiest Man Alive title. He trails Sean Connery's 1989 title at 59 years old and is just ahead of Harrison Ford, who was deemed the winner in 1998 at the age of 56.

However, several Internet users contend that Dempsey should not have been winner with "internet daddy" Pedro Pascal on the list, making the selection process all the more captivating.

What did Patrick Dempsey say about winning the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title?

The candidates showcase an array of appeals that are sure to grab readers' interest worldwide, from the tough charm of actors to the alluring abilities of musicians and athletes.

Using the "cutting-edge hologram technology from our friends at proto," Kimmel hid the identity of the Sexiest Man Alive -- later revealed to be Dempsey -- in a late-night segment.

Kimmel praised him in a post-reveal interview for consistently making the storied 'Men of the Year' list over the years but never having won the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title until now.

One of the most important queries from the audience was, "Are you Dr McDreamy?", referring to Dempsey's portrayal as Dr Derek Shepherd in the popular ABC series.

In an interview with PEOPLE Magazine after being named this year's winner, Dempsey said, "I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life."

"It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive."

Alongside honoree Dempsey, Pedro Pascal, Timothée Chalamet, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Lenny Kravitz, and Philadelphia Eagles center star Jason Kelce, were mentioned as among the "many, many sexy men" featured in the publication's 2023 sexiest man alive edition.

Why do fans argue Pedro Pascal should be the 'Sexiest Man Alive' winner?

Pascal has established himself as a model for masculine men who do not hesitate to show their compassionate side to those in need.

From bounty hunter Din Djarin traversing the galaxy to ensure Grogu's safety in 'The Mandalorian,' to smuggler Joel defending immune teen Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in HBO's 'The Last of Us.'

Furthermore, he stars in the upcoming movie 'Wonka' and the HBO Max series 'The White Lotus.' Pascal is a gifted actor with a captivating personality who will undoubtedly remain a favorite for many years to come.

Unlike Pascal, the 2023 winner Dempsey does not possess any recent notable work to showcase, except his work as Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd in ABC hit 'Grey's Anatomy.'

'The Last of Us' star previously acknowledged that he has been dubbed "internet daddy" by his online fans.

During an appearance on 'The Graham Norton Show,' the 48-year-old earlier admitted to enjoying "the sudden attention," per The Independent.

Pascal said at the time, "I’m still trying to figure it out. I feel like it changes, there’s ‘zaddy’, there’s ‘daddy’," in an effort to explain the meaning of the statement.

Internet argues Patrick Dempsey's win over Pedro Pascal

Online fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam PEOPLE Magazine over Dempsey's win, claiming "Pedro Pascal was robbed."

One fan exclaimed on X, "Really people’s magazine?! Pedro Pascal was right there!"

A second one said, "Should’ve been Pedro…" while a third one added, "BOOOOOOOOOOO should’ve been Pedro And I’m a straight guy"

Another one chimed in, "I mean… yes back in the day. But seriously? How is it not someone who is hot right now? I haven’t even seen/heard him mentioned in years."

"Was Pedro Pascal busy or something because the maths aren't mathing on this," quipped another Pascal fan.

One more questioned, "Where is pedro pascal?"

The comparison rant went on with another one adding, "I vote the fans get a say in this voting moving forward cuz this decision sucked. Pedro Pascal should have won and we all know it"