Dean Clifford says years of bullying taught him resilience after a social media post sparked thousands of cruel comments online.
What started as a simple selfie at a rugby game turned into another painful reminder of how harsh the internet can be for people who look different.
Australian-born Dean Clifford, 46, recently shared a photo with his mother while attending a rugby league match. Instead of just celebrating the moment, the post quickly went viral for a different reason after Meta’s AI reportedly described Clifford as wearing a “zombie costume.”
For Clifford, who was born with the rare genetic condition Epidermolysis Bullosa, the reaction was sadly nothing new.
The condition causes the skin to blister, tear, and wound easily, often from even minor friction. According to experts at Mayo Clinic, some forms of the disease can be life-threatening and require lifelong care.
Doctors reportedly told Clifford’s parents he would not survive beyond early childhood. Many people with severe forms of the condition do not live past the age of 30. But Clifford has continued to defy expectations and refuses to let the disorder define his life.
After the photo spread online, Clifford shared an emotional message addressing both the AI-generated label and the people mocking his appearance.
He explained that he has faced bullying and judgment since he was a toddler.
“Living with such a rare genetic skin condition has meant throughout my entire life, kids, adults, everyone has been scared of me,” he wrote. “People have pointed and stared to the point where they trip over themselves.”
Despite the hurtful comments, Clifford made it clear he refuses to let strangers online break his confidence. He said years of living with the condition taught him resilience and thick skin long before social media existed.
The incident has also reignited concerns about the growing role of artificial intelligence on social platforms. Critics argue that AI moderation and image-labeling systems can reinforce harmful stereotypes when they fail to recognize medical conditions or physical differences accurately.
Organizations such as Debra International, which supports people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa, have long pushed for greater awareness and understanding of the condition. The group says people with EB often experience social isolation and discrimination because of visible differences in their appearance.
Following backlash over the viral post, Meta issued an apology.
“We’re sorry to hear about Mr Clifford’s experience and sincerely apologise for any distress caused,” the company said in a statement, adding that AI-generated prompts do not always work as intended and that the company continues to improve its systems.
Clifford, however, seems determined not to let the controversy overshadow his life. In his response, he said he plans to keep traveling, enjoying life, and refusing to hide himself because of other people’s opinions.
His story has since resonated with many online, with supporters praising his confidence and calling for more compassion on social media.
