🔗 Share this article

Women are rallying for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks online regarding her appearance following a red carpet function.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles on 9 November during which a social media clip discussing her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed due to remarks about her looks.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face," stated Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, said differently from men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be free to look in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, also shared to social media and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, discussed her enjoyment in portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But a large portion of the online responses focused on her age and were negative about her looks.

The online backlash ignited significant support of Zeta-Jones, featuring a viral video online which declared: "You bully females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "This is ageing naturally and she appears beautiful."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is reality."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared at the studio earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to show the absence of a "template" for what a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is an honour and when we do it the best we can, this is what is important," she stated further.

Ms White stated that men aren't judged by identical beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'great'."

She explained that became a key factor for entering Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" it was "irrelevant", noting she deserves to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her years facing scrutiny.

She said the social media vitriol showed that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" that they are lacking or young enough - a situation that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if men face identical criticism, she responded "no, never", noting women were criticized simply for showing "boldness" to exist on social media as they age.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", she commented women were still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures such as plastic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; if you undergo treatments, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.