Ladies Stand In Support of the Oscar-Winning Actor Amidst Age-Related Comments

The actor on the Netflix event
Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones was subject to online commentary over her looks during a Netflix event in November.

There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms over her looks during a industry appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in LA last month where an online segment discussing her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to comments about her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the backlash "complete nonsense", stating that "men aren't given this expiration date which women face".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date which women face," said the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, said unlike men, females are criticized as they age and the actor deserves to be able to look in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed portraying her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were disparaging regarding her looks.

The negative remarks sparked significant support of the actor, featuring a popular post online which stated: "People criticize women when they get treatments and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

Others also rallied in support, one stating: "It's called aging naturally and she is stunning."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The pageant winner arriving without makeup for an interview
Laura White appeared without cosmetics on air as a demonstration.

The winner attended for her interview earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "blueprint" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "better" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a privilege and if we can age the best we can, this is what is important," she stated further.

She argued that males are not judged by identical beauty standards, noting "no-one questions the age of famous men are - they just look 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted that became one of the reasons for entering the competition the classic category, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes discussing ageing scrutiny
Welsh beauty writer Hughes argues females are consistently and unjustly judged as they grow older.

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "not the point", noting she deserves to be free to look as she wishes free from her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse proved that no female is "immune" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "infuriating, no matter who the victim is".

Asked if men face the same scrutiny, she said "not at all", adding women were attacked merely for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on the internet while growing older.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry advocating for "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still face criticism if they age without intervention or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older naturally, commenters state you ought to try harder; when you have work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.

Jennifer Martinez
Jennifer Martinez

A tech enthusiast and software developer with over a decade of experience in web technologies and digital innovation.