🔗 Share this article

There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks online about her appearance during a red carpet function.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in LA recently during which a TikTok interview discussing her character in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed by remarks focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

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

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," said Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However many of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were critical about her looks.

The negative remarks ignited significant support for the actor, including a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully women if they undergo too much work done and bully them for not having enough work."

Commenters also came to her defence, one stating: "She is ageing naturally and she is stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that is life."

Making a Point

She appeared on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "mold" for what a woman in midlife is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "well" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can live the best we can, that's what is important," she stated further.

Ms White stated that men were not held to the same appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted it was part of the motivation for entering the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "not the point", adding she deserves to be at liberty to look however she liked without her age being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism showed no woman was "exempt" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or of the right age - an issue that is "infuriating, regardless of the person involved".

Asked if males encounter identical criticism, she answered "not at all", explaining females are targeted merely for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on social media while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", the author stated women were still judged whether they aged naturally or chose interventions including plastic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, people say you ought to try harder; if you undergo procedures, people say you failing to age well," she remarked further.