Women Rally For Catherine Zeta-Jones Over Criticism Over Age Remarks
Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms over her appearance during a red carpet function.
The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood recently during which a TikTok interview discussing her role in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed because of remarks concerning her age.
Widespread Backing
This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "men aren't given such a timeline that women do".
"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," said the pageant winner.
Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and the actor deserves to be able to look as she wishes.
The Social Media Storm
Within the clip, uploaded to social media and had millions of views, the actor, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.
However a large portion of the online responses zeroed in on her age and were disparaging towards her looks.
The online backlash ignited significant support of the actor, featuring a popular post from a social media user which declared: "You bully women when they get treatments and criticize them if they avoid enough work."
Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she is beautiful."
Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that's called the natural process."
Challenging Perceptions
She appeared at the studio recently makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show that there is no fixed "template" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.
Like many women her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "better" and be "vibrant".
"Getting older represents a privilege and when we live gracefully, this is what is important," she added.
Ms White stated that men were not subject to the same appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only look 'wonderful'."
She said this was a key factor for entering the pageant's division the classic category, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".
The Core Issue
The author, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that although the actor is "stunning" it was "not the point", noting she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses absent her years being scrutinised.
Hughes argued the digital criticism proved no woman was "immune" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are not good enough or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, regardless of who the victim is".
When asked if men face the same scrutiny, she responded "not at all", adding women were criticized merely for demonstrating the "nerve" to exist on social media as they age.
An Impossible Standard
Even with the wellness sector emphasizing "age-defiance", she commented females are still face criticism whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments including cosmetic surgery or fillers.
"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; if you undergo work done, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.