Females Unite For the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Related Criticism
There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks on social media about her appearance during a industry appearance.
Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Los Angeles last month where a social media clip discussing her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to discussion concerning her appearance.
Widespread Backing
Aged 58, Laura White, called the backlash "complete nonsense", stating that "males escape this expiration date which women face".
"Men don't have this expiration date which women face," said Ms White.
Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, women were criticized growing older and she ought to be able to look however she liked.
Online Reaction
In the video, also shared to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.
But many of the online responses centered on her years and were disparaging towards her appearance.
The negative remarks sparked a broad defence of the actor, including a popular post from one Facebook user which declared: "People criticize females when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them when they don't have enough work."
Online users spoke up for her, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she appears stunning."
Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she looks her age - which is simply the natural process."
Making a Point
She appeared on air recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to demonstrate there was no set "template" for what a woman in her 50s should look like.
Similar to numerous females of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and look "healthy".
"Ageing is a gift and if we can age the best we can, that is what is important," she continued.
She argued that men aren't judged by equivalent appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask the age of famous men are - they simply appear 'great'."
Ms White noted that became a key factor for entering the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".
Unfair Scrutiny
Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" it was "not the point", adding she ought to be at liberty to look as she wishes absent her years coming under examination.
She said the digital criticism showed no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or young enough - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter who the victim is".
Asked if men experience the same scrutiny, she said "absolutely not", explaining females are attacked just for showing "boldness" to be present online as they age.
A Double Bind
Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "youthful longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or injections.
"If you age gracefully, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you get treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she remarked further.