Man with rare condition responds to trolls after AI suggested he was a ‘zombie’ in public selfie

Online hate is far too common as people hide behind their keyboards and Dean Clifford is sadly well accustomed to receiving cruel comments online.

The Australian was born with a rare health condition known as Epidermolysis Bullosa which causes persistent blisters, tears or wounds on the skin, and it is often fatal before the age of 30.

Dean's parents were told that he was likely to die before he even reached five but now aged 46, he has become an ambassador and public speaker, while also travelling the world and ensuring that his condition doesn't stop him from living his life.

He was doing exactly that recently, sharing a picture of him and his mother at the Suncorp Stadium in Australia, where he watched the Dolphins beat Melbourne Storm in a Rugby League fixture.

However, an innocent selfie quickly went viral because of Clifford's looks, especially after Meta's AI programme cruelly described him as being in a 'zombie costume'.

After receiving a tirade of abuse online, the inspirational lad has spoken out to criticise anyone who hides behind a computer screen before sending insults.

On Instagram, he wrote: "ATTENTION TROLLS & KEYBOARD WARRIORS

"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. Thanks Facebook #METAAI for sharing my photo without my consent and tagging my the way I look the way you did. It just goes to highlight what why Facebook is quickly becoming completely irrelevant in real life.

"But 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 two years 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****g 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. 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!"

The Aussie states on his website that he 'does the impossible every day', and also regularly does powerlifting as a hobby, so it's clear what would happen if any of these online trolls did try and say any of these horrible comments to his face.

Meta also issued an apology after the comments first surfaced online.

“We’re sorry to hear about Mr Clifford’s experience and sincerely apologise for any distress caused,” the technology company said.

“These prompts were generated automatically and may not always produce the results intended.

We take this matter seriously and constantly seek feedback on our AI products and models to make them better over time.

“People can report AI-generated contact they find inappropriate with our in-app reporting tools.”

Clifford is believed to be one of the oldest people in the world living with EB but has claimed that he might have to re-think his social media approach after the recent comments invoked painful memories from his childhood.