Women Rally Behind the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Related Criticism
Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks online about her looks following a red carpet function.
She appeared at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where a TikTok interview featuring her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed by discussion focusing on her looks.
Widespread Backing
Aged 58, Laura White, called the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", noting that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face".
"Men are free from this expiration date that women do," said the pageant winner.
Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear however she liked.
Online Reaction
Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Swansea, talked about the pleasure of portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.
However a significant number of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were negative about her looks.
The online backlash ignited significant support of the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip online which stated: "There is criticism for females if they undergo too much work done and criticize them if they avoid sufficient procedures."
Online users rallied in support, one stating: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks stunning."
Others described her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she looks her age - that is reality."
A Statement Arrival
The winner attended on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" of how a female of a certain age ought to appear.
As with others her age, she said she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but to feel "well" and look "vibrant".
"Ageing is a privilege and if we can live gracefully, this is what really matters," she stated further.
She argued that males are not subject to the same appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply appear 'fantastic'."
She said it was a key factor she entered the competition the classic category, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".
Unfair Scrutiny
The author, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "not the point", noting she deserves to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses without her age facing scrutiny.
She said the social media vitriol proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - an issue that is "galling, no matter the individual targeted".
When asked if males encounter identical criticism, she responded "not at all", adding women were targeted just for showing "boldness" to be present on the internet as they age.
A No-Win Situation
Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "longevity", the author stated females are still judged if they age naturally or chose interventions such as plastic surgery or injections.
"When a woman ages naturally, people say more could be done; when you have procedures, you're accused of failing to age well," she remarked further.
