🔗 Share this article

There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny across platforms about her appearance following a red carpet appearance.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment featuring her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion about her appearance.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, called the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", adding that "men aren't given this expiration date that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, women were criticized growing older and she ought to be at liberty to appear however she liked.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

Yet a large portion of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were negative about her looks.

This criticism triggered significant support of the actor, featuring a popular post from a social media user which declared: "People criticize females for having treatments and attack them if they avoid enough."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "She is growing older naturally and she appears beautiful."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to show that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Ageing is an honour and when we age gracefully, that's what really matters," she added.

She argued that males are not held to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men might be - they only look 'fantastic'."

She said it was a key factor she entered the competition the classic category, to "show that midlife women continue to exist" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "beside the point", adding she should be free to appear as she wishes absent her years being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism demonstrated that no female is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of the person involved".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she answered "absolutely not", adding women were targeted merely for having the "audacity" to live on social media while growing older.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry advocating for "age-defiance", the author stated females are still face criticism if they age naturally or underwent treatments including surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older gracefully, others claim more could be done; if you undergo work done, people say you trying too hard," she added.