Women Rally In Support of the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Shaming Comments
There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms over her looks at a recent high-profile appearance.
Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Hollywood last month where a TikTok interview discussing her role in season two of Wednesday was overshadowed by remarks focusing on her looks.
A Chorus of Defence
Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "utter foolishness", noting that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".
"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," argued Ms White.
Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, females are criticized for ageing and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear as she wishes.
The Social Media Storm
In the video, also shared to Facebook and attracted millions of views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.
Yet a significant number of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were critical about her appearance.
The online backlash ignited a broad defence of the actor, including a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them when they don't have enough work."
Others also rallied in support, with one writing: "This is ageing naturally and she appears gorgeous."
Others described her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she looks her age - that is life."
Making a Point
The winner attended for her interview earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "blueprint" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.
Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but so she feels "better" and appear "vibrant".
"Ageing is a gift and when we do it gracefully, that is what really matters," she continued.
She contended that males are not judged by equivalent beauty standards, adding "no-one questions how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just appear 'fantastic'."
Ms White noted this was part of the motivation behind her participation in the pageant's division for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that midlife women continue to exist" and "still have it".
Unfair Scrutiny
Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that although the actor is "stunning" that is "beside the point", stating further she ought to be able to look as she wishes without her years facing scrutiny.
She said the online abuse demonstrated that no female is "exempt" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of the individual targeted".
Questioned on whether men face identical criticism, she answered "not at all", noting women were targeted merely for demonstrating the "audacity" to be present on social media as they age.
A No-Win Situation
Despite the wellness sector promoting "age-defiance", she commented females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older naturally or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or injections.
"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you should do more; if you get procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she concluded.