🔗 Share this article

There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks on social media about her looks during a industry function.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles on 9 November during which a social media clip featuring her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by remarks concerning her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the negative reaction "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date which women face," stated the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated differently from men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

But many of the online responses focused on her years and were critical towards her looks.

This criticism ignited significant support for the actor, featuring a popular post from a social media user which said: "People criticize females if they undergo too much work done and attack them if they avoid enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, as one put it: "This is ageing naturally and she looks stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply life."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended on air earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to show the absence of a "template" of how a woman in midlife should look like.

As with others in her demographic, she stated she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but so she feels "improved" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and provided we do it gracefully, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She argued that males are not subject to equivalent appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask how old certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'fantastic'."

She explained it was a key factor for entering the competition for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that midlife women are still here" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "irrelevant", adding she should be free to look as she wishes free from her years coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol demonstrated that no female is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she said "absolutely not", explaining women were targeted just for demonstrating the "nerve" to live on social media as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the beauty industry promoting "longevity", Hughes said women were still face criticism if they age gracefully or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages gracefully, people say you should do more; if you get work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.