🔗 Share this article

Females are uniting in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny on social media regarding her looks during a industry appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood last month where a social media clip featuring her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of remarks about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date which women face," stated Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and she ought to be able to look as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, uploaded to social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet a large portion of the online responses focused on her years and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

This criticism triggered widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women for having cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid enough work."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "This is ageing naturally and she looks beautiful."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she looks her age - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared on air earlier without any makeup to "prove a point" and to show there was no set "blueprint" of how a woman in midlife is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females her age, she stated she "looks after herself" not to look younger but to feel "well" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can do it the best we can, this is what is important," she continued.

She argued that men aren't subject to equivalent appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes how old certain male celebrities are - they only look 'fantastic'."

She explained that became one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a journalist of Welsh origin, stated that while the actor is "beautiful" it was "not the point", stating further she deserves to be able to appear however she liked without her age facing scrutiny.

She said the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "infuriating, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if men face the same scrutiny, she responded "no, never", adding women were targeted simply for showing "boldness" to exist on social media while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Despite the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", she commented women were still criticised regardless of if they grow older naturally or chose interventions like cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state you should do more; when you have work done, people say you failing to age well," she added.