Women are rallying in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks on social media over her appearance following a industry appearance.
Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in LA recently where a TikTok interview discussing her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by discussion focusing on her appearance.
A Chorus of Defence
Aged 58, Laura White, described the negative reaction "complete nonsense", noting that "males escape this expiration date that women do".
"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," argued Laura White.
Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, women were unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be at liberty to look as she wishes.
Online Reaction
During the interview, also shared to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed the pleasure of exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.
But many of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were critical towards her appearance.
The negative remarks ignited widespread defence of the actor, featuring a viral video online which stated: "You bully women if they undergo treatments and criticize them if they avoid enough."
Others also came to her defence, one stating: "This is aging naturally and she looks beautiful."
Some called her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called life."
A Statement Arrival
She appeared at the studio earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "blueprint" of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.
As with others in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "better" and look "healthy".
"Getting older represents a gift and if we can age the best we can, that's what is important," she added.
Ms White stated that men aren't held to the same appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they only are described as 'fantastic'."
She said this was one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "possess it".
The Core Issue
Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "irrelevant", adding she deserves to be able to look however she liked without her years coming under examination.
Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" which says they are not good enough or of the right age - an issue that is "infuriating, no matter the person involved".
When asked if men face the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", explaining females are criticized merely for showing "nerve" to exist on the internet while aging.
A No-Win Situation
Even with cosmetic companies advocating for "longevity", she commented women were still face criticism if they age without intervention or underwent treatments including surgical procedures or injectables.
"Should you grow older without intervention, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you undergo procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she concluded.
