Ladies Stand For the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Criticism Over Age Remarks

There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny across platforms over her looks following a industry event.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood recently during which a TikTok interview discussing her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to remarks focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape this expiration date that women do".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

During the interview, also shared to Facebook and attracted millions of views, the actor, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in exploring her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

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

The online backlash sparked a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip from a social media user which said: "People criticize females when they get too much work done and attack them when they don't have enough."

Online users rallied in support, one stating: "This is ageing naturally and she appears beautiful."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she looks her age - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to highlight there was no set "template" of how a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but in order to feel "better" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we do it gracefully, that is what is important," she continued.

She contended that males are not judged by the same beauty standards, noting "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities are - they just are described as 'great'."

Ms White noted it was a key factor behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, in order to demonstrate that midlife women remain relevant" and "still have it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "not the point", noting she ought to be able to appear as she wishes free from her years being scrutinised.

She stated the online abuse proved not a single woman is "protected" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or young enough - a situation that is "maddening, no matter who the victim is".

When asked if men face the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", explaining women were criticized merely for demonstrating the "boldness" to live online while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", she commented females are still judged whether they aged naturally or chose interventions such as cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"If you age without intervention, others claim more could be done; if you get treatments, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.