Noted motivational speaker Dean Clifford recently unleashed a powerful response to online trolls who targeted him with offensive remarks after he attended an NRL game with his mother.
Clifford, who lives with a severe form of the rare condition Epidermolysis Bullosa, has skin that is extremely delicate and susceptible to blistering. He describes his condition saying, “My skin is as fragile as tissue paper and will literally break down and disintegrate just from being alive.”
Defying the odds, the Queensland native has surpassed medical expectations that predicted he wouldn’t live past the age of five. Today, he stands as an accomplished motivational speaker and a champion powerlifter, capable of hefting an impressive 150kg—more than double his body weight.
Rather than turning a blind eye to the cruel remarks about his appearance, Clifford took a proactive stance. The Daily Mail, respecting his dignity, opted not to share the derogatory comments. Instead, Clifford decided to directly address his critics.
Taking to Facebook and Instagram, he wrote, “Attention trolls & keyboard warriors,” calling out those who ridiculed his appearance. “Who would have thought that sharing a joyful photo at a football game with my mum on Friday night would lead so many trolls to try and deride how my skin looks,” he expressed, challenging the negativity with admirable resilience.
Dean Clifford was subjected to disgraceful online abuse when he posted this photo of him and his mother attending an NRL match in Brisbane last Friday night
The Broncos fan (pictured with Brisbane legend Shane Webcke) got on the front foot and launched a blistering attack on his trolls
‘Who would have thought posting a fun photo at a football game with my mum on Friday night would result in so many trolls finding the way my skin looks as something they can try to make fun of.
‘To the thousands of you who thought they were being smart or having fun at my expense here’s something you may not be aware of.
‘I have been bullied and picked on since I was 2yrs old.
‘Living with such a rare genetic skin condition has meant throughout my entire life, kids/adults, EVERYONE has been scared of me.
‘People have pointed and stared to the point where they trip over themselves or walk into walls which is f*#king hilarious.
‘I hear all the whispers behind my back. I have had people try to fight me because they thought I was the weakest link. I have even had people threaten to kill me in the past.
‘Let me be clear. I do not care what you think of me.
‘You think you can sit behind your keyboard and your comments are going to impact my life.
Clifford (pictured at a Broncos match) dared his critics to repeat the abuse ‘directly to my face’
Pictured: The broadside that won Clifford plenty of support from his followers
Despite suffering from the agonising skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa, the 43-year-old has become a top powerlifter in addition to his work as a motivational speaker
‘Come say it directly to my face. Go on. I DARE YOU.
‘Enjoy your pathetic small life in your parents’ basement or your childhood bedroom.
‘I will continue to travel the world and live life to its absolute fullest and have a kick ass time doing it!’
Clifford also accused Facebook of sharing his photo without his consent.
He won plenty of support in the comments section of his posts, with his followers praising his courage and pledging their support.
British TV presenter Katie Piper, who was left scarred by an acid attack in 2008, left Clifford a love-heart emoji, and former AFL star Hayden Crozier wrote, ‘Much love mate!’
Clifford’s comeback was also hailed by Iron Man competitor Matt Bevilacqua, with another commenter speaking for many when they wrote, ‘Good on you mate, you have a great attitude! Screw all the haters.’
A quick look at Clifford’s social media reveals he’s a committed footy fan who regularly attends NRL matches to watch the Brisbane Broncos and has rubbed shoulders with big footy names like Shane Webcke, Cooper Cronk and Fox Sports host Yvonne Sampson.
In addition to his motivational speaking, he is an ambassador for Disability Employment Australia and the DEBRA Australia charity, which supports people who suffer from Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Clifford gave a raw insight into life with his condition in 2023. Sufferers have a life expectancy of around 30, and he has beaten the odds to make it to 43 years of age.
‘I’ve got wounds that come and are with me for one week or two weeks, six months, 18 months, then heal only to leave fragile, weak skin to break down the second it’s all healed over and then I go through the same process all over again,’ he said.
Incredibly, he has battled through the pain to excel as a powerlifter despite only being able to lift a two-litre drink bottle when he got started in the gym.
He works out four times a week and said, ‘Being able to lift 150kg puts me somewhere in the top two to three per cent [of lifters] in the world.’
