Dean Clifford, born with a rare skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, recently spoke out about online cruelty he faced after posting a photo with his mother at a rugby game.
The condition causes severe skin damage and is usually life-limiting, but doctors once said he wouldn’t live past age 5—yet he defied the odds. Despite living with constant challenges and lifelong bullying, he remains active and positive.
After the photo went viral, Meta’s AI reportedly mislabeled him as wearing a “zombie costume,” triggering a wave of hateful comments. Clifford responded by describing decades of bullying and saying people have always stared, mocked, and even threatened him because of his appearance.
He rejected the negativity, saying he refuses to let online trolls affect his life and will continue living fully and confidently.
Meta later apologized, saying the AI output was automatic, not intentional, and that users can report inappropriate content.