Women Rally For the Oscar-Winning Actor Over Age-Related Remarks

There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism on social media about her appearance at a recent high-profile appearance.

She appeared at an industry gathering in Los Angeles last month where a social media clip featuring her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated by comments about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the negative reaction "utter foolishness", noting that "males escape this expiration date which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face," argued the pageant winner.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, females are criticized as they age and she ought to be free to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, also shared to social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were negative towards her appearance.

The online backlash triggered widespread defence of the actor, such as a viral video online which said: "There is criticism for women for having too much work done and attack them for not having sufficient procedures."

Online users rallied in support, one stating: "This is ageing naturally and she is gorgeous."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she appears her age - that is reality."

Making a Point

She appeared at the studio recently with a bare face to "prove a point" and to demonstrate there was no set "template" of how a woman in her 50s should look like.

Like many women of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but so she feels "better" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and when we age the best we can, this is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that males are not held to the same appearance ideals, noting "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'wonderful'."

She said this was part of the motivation for entering the competition the classic category, to "show that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that although the actor is "stunning" this is "not the point", noting she ought to be at liberty to appear however she liked free from her age being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism proved that no female is "immune" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether males encounter equivalent judgment, she said "absolutely not", explaining women were targeted merely for having the "boldness" to be present on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the wellness sector promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said women were still face criticism if they age naturally or chose interventions such as surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, people say you should do more; when you have treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.