Dean Clifford’s Powerful Response to Online Trolls
Dean Clifford, a well-known motivational speaker, recently faced a wave of online negativity after sharing a photo of himself and his mother at an NRL game. The Queensland native has been open about his struggles with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic skin condition that makes his skin extremely fragile and prone to blistering. As he puts it, “My skin is as fragile as tissue paper and will literally break down and disintegrate just from being alive.”
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Clifford has defied medical predictions and gone on to achieve remarkable success. He was expected to not live past his fifth birthday but has since become a renowned motivational speaker and a top powerlifter, capable of lifting 150kg—more than twice his body weight.
The incident began when Clifford posted a photo of him and his mother, Jenny, at the Dolphins vs Storm game in Brisbane. This post quickly attracted a flood of negative comments online. Rather than ignoring the abuse, Clifford took a bold stance against the trolls.
“Attention trolls & keyboard warriors,” he wrote on Facebook and Instagram. “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.”
Clifford shared his experiences of being bullied since childhood, highlighting how people have often been scared of him due to his condition. He recounted instances where people stared or even tripped over themselves while looking at him. “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.”
He made it clear that he does not care about the opinions of those who attack him. “You think you can sit behind your keyboard and your comments are going to impact my life.” Clifford challenged the trolls directly, saying, “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.”
Clifford also criticized Facebook for sharing his photo without his consent. His post received widespread support, with many followers praising his courage and offering their solidarity. British TV presenter Katie Piper, who was left scarred by an acid attack in 2008, sent him a love-heart emoji. Former AFL star Hayden Crozier commented, “Much love mate!”
Iron Man competitor Matt Bevilacqua and other fans praised Clifford’s positive attitude. One commenter wrote, “Good on you mate, you have a great attitude! Screw all the haters.”
Clifford is a passionate fan of rugby league, regularly attending NRL matches and meeting notable figures like Shane Webcke, Cooper Cronk, and Fox Sports host Yvonne Sampson. In addition to his speaking engagements, he serves as an ambassador for Disability Employment Australia and DEBRA Australia, which supports individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa.
In 2023, Clifford provided a raw insight into living with his condition. Sufferers typically have a life expectancy of around 30 years, but Clifford has surpassed this, now 43 years old. He described the ongoing struggle with wounds that come and go, leaving his skin weak and fragile. Despite this, he has managed to excel as a powerlifter, starting with just a two-litre drink bottle and now lifting 150kg.
“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.
Clifford works out four times a week and believes that being able to lift 150kg places him in the top two to three per cent of lifters worldwide. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset.
