Ladies Stand For Catherine Zeta-Jones Following Age-Related Remarks

Women are rallying in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms about her looks at a recent red carpet function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood last month where a TikTok interview featuring her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to remarks concerning her age.

Voices of Support

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the negative reaction "utter foolishness", stating that "males escape such a timeline that women do".

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

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, also shared to social media and had over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, talked about the pleasure of delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However a large portion of the hundreds of comments focused on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked significant support of the actor, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for females when they get treatments and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

Online users spoke up for her, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she is beautiful."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that is life."

Making a Point

The winner attended on air earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to show the absence of a "template" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "improved" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is an honour and if we can live gracefully, this is what really matters," she added.

She argued that males are not held to the same aesthetic benchmarks, noting "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities might be - they simply appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted that became one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that while the actor is "gorgeous" it was "irrelevant", stating further she should be able to appear in any way she chooses without her years being scrutinised.

She stated the online abuse proved no woman was "immune" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" that they are not good enough or young enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she responded "absolutely not", adding women were attacked just for showing "boldness" to live on social media while growing older.

A Double Bind

Despite cosmetic companies promoting "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised if they age gracefully or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo treatments, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.