Women Rally In Support of Catherine Zeta-Jones Amidst Age-Shaming Criticism
Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks online over her appearance following a high-profile event.
Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in LA recently where a TikTok interview about her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of comments concerning her age.
A Chorus of Defence
Laura White, 58, described the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "males escape such a timeline that women do".
"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face," said Laura White.
Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, females are criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear as she wishes.
Digital Backlash
Within the clip, uploaded to social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, talked about the pleasure of portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.
But many of the numerous remarks focused on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.
The negative remarks sparked significant support of Zeta-Jones, including a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully females for having cosmetic procedures and bully them for not having enough work."
Others also spoke up for her, one stating: "She is ageing naturally and she is beautiful."
Others described her as "stunning" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that is life."
Making a Point
Ms White arrived on air earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to show there was no set "template" of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.
Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "better" and be "healthy".
"Getting older represents an honour and if we can age as well as possible, that's what is important," she added.
She contended that males are not subject to the same appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes how old famous men might be - they simply are described as 'great'."
Ms White noted that became one of the reasons for entering the competition for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".
The Core Issue
Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that while the actor is "stunning" it was "irrelevant", adding she should be free to appear as she wishes absent her age coming under examination.
She stated the social media vitriol showed no woman was "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".
When asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", noting females are attacked merely for showing "boldness" to be present on social media while aging.
A Double Bind
Despite the wellness sector promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or chose interventions such as cosmetic surgery or fillers.
"If you age naturally, people say you should do more; if you undergo work done, you're accused of failing to age well," she added.