🔗 Share this article

There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by disparaging remarks online about her appearance following a red carpet event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Los Angeles last month during which an online segment about her role in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed due to discussion about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".

"Men are free from this expiration date which women face," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, talked about the pleasure of delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

But many of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were disparaging about her appearance.

This criticism sparked significant support for the actor, including a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and bully them for not having enough work."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "It's called aging naturally and she looks beautiful."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", with another adding that "she appears her age - which is simply reality."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived on air recently without any makeup to make a statement and to show that there is no fixed "template" of how a woman in midlife ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and be "healthy".

"Growing older is an honour and when we do it as well as possible, that's what is important," she added.

She argued that males are not subject to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, adding "no-one questions how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only look 'fantastic'."

She explained this was a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, commented that while the actor is "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", adding she should be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her age being scrutinised.

She said the online abuse proved no woman was "protected" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she said "absolutely not", explaining females are criticized simply for showing "nerve" to be present on social media while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of cosmetic companies promoting "age-defiance", she commented women were still criticised if they age gracefully or chose interventions including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

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