🔗 Share this article Women Rally For the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Related Criticism Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones was subject to scrutiny about her appearance during a Netflix event last month. There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism on social media about her looks during a high-profile event. The actor was present at an industry gathering in LA recently where a TikTok interview about her character in the latest Wednesday was overshadowed by remarks focusing on her age. Voices of Support Aged 58, Laura White, called the backlash "utter foolishness", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face". "Men don't have this expiration date which women face," said Ms White. Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be able to look as she wishes. Online Reaction Within the clip, also shared to social media and garnered millions of views, the actor, originally from Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in exploring her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes. But a large portion of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were negative regarding her appearance. This criticism triggered widespread defence for the actor, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women for having treatments and bully them when they don't have enough work." Commenters also spoke up for her, as one put it: "She is growing older naturally and she is stunning." Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that's called the natural process." Making a Point Laura White arrived makeup-free for her interview to "prove a point". Ms White arrived for her interview earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "template" of how a female of a certain age ought to appear. Like many women her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and look "vibrant". "Getting older represents a gift and when we do it as well as possible, that is what is important," she added. She argued that men were not held to the same aesthetic benchmarks, adding "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities are - they just look 'fantastic'." She explained that became one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, to prove that women in midlife remain relevant" and "still have it". A Fundamental Problem From Wales author and commentator Sali Hughes says women are consistently and unjustly judged for the natural aging process. The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "irrelevant", noting she deserves to be at liberty to look however she liked absent her age coming under examination. Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated that no female is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" that they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of who the victim is". When asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she responded "no, never", explaining females are targeted simply for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on the internet as they age. An Impossible Standard Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said women were still face criticism if they age gracefully or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or injections. "If you age naturally, others claim you should do more; if you get treatments, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.