Women Rally Behind Catherine Zeta-Jones Following Age-Shaming Comments

Women are rallying for Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism on social media about her looks following a industry appearance.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Los Angeles recently where a social media clip discussing her role in the latest Wednesday was eclipsed by discussion focusing on her looks.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "men don't have such a timeline imposed on women".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date which women face," stated Ms White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and the actor deserves to be able to look as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and had millions of views, the actor, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks focused on her years and were negative regarding her looks.

This criticism triggered widespread defence for Zeta-Jones, including a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women when they get cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having enough."

Commenters also came to her defence, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she is gorgeous."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that is reality."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived on air earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight there was no set "template" for what a female of a certain age ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "well" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and provided we live the best we can, this is what really matters," she added.

She contended that men aren't held to identical beauty standards, noting "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply appear 'wonderful'."

She explained that became one of the reasons she entered the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "irrelevant", adding she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses absent her age being scrutinised.

She stated the social media vitriol proved no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men experience identical criticism, she answered "not at all", explaining females are targeted just for having the "nerve" to live on the internet as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the wellness sector advocating for "youthful longevity", the author stated females are still judged whether they aged naturally or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, people say more could be done; if you undergo work done, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.