🔗 Share this article

There is a groundswell of support for Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered criticism online about her looks following a high-profile function.

She appeared at an industry gathering in LA on 9 November during which a TikTok interview featuring her character in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion concerning her age.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "men don't have this expiration date which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do," argued Ms White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and she ought to be at liberty to appear however she liked.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Wales, talked about her enjoyment in portraying her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

However a significant number of the online responses centered on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited significant support for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women if they undergo too much work done and criticize them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she is gorgeous."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended on air recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "mold" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "well" and appear "healthy".

"Growing older is a gift and when we do it as well as possible, that's what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not held to identical aesthetic benchmarks, noting "no-one questions how old famous men are - they simply look 'great'."

She explained that became a key factor behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to "show that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "not the point", stating further she ought to be able to appear as she wishes free from her years facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the digital criticism proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are not good enough or youthful enough - an issue that is "galling, no matter who the victim is".

When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she responded "no, never", explaining females are targeted merely for demonstrating the "nerve" to be present on social media while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Despite cosmetic companies promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still face criticism if they age without intervention or underwent treatments including cosmetic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you get work done, people say you trying too hard," she remarked further.