Women Rally In Support of Catherine Zeta-Jones Following Age-Related Criticism

There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by scrutiny on social media regarding her appearance at a recent red carpet appearance.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment featuring her role in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed by remarks focusing on her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, called the backlash "utter foolishness", adding that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date imposed on women," said Ms White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, women were unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be able to appear however she liked.

Online Reaction

In the video, also shared to social media and garnered more than 2.5m views, the actor, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

However a significant number of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were negative regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a viral video from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Commenters also spoke up for her, as one put it: "This is aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she appears her age - that is life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" for what a woman in midlife ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she said she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "better" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is a privilege and when we do it gracefully, that's what truly counts," she stated further.

She argued that males are not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, noting "nobody scrutinizes how old famous men are - they simply appear 'great'."

She explained this was a key factor she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that midlife women continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, stated that although the actor is "gorgeous" this is "beside the point", stating further she should be able to look as she wishes absent her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" which says they are lacking or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men experience identical criticism, she answered "no, never", noting women were attacked simply for having the "boldness" to live on social media while growing older.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry promoting "age-defiance", she commented women were still criticised if they age without intervention or opted for procedures like plastic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages gracefully, others claim more could be done; when you have procedures, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.