🔗 Share this article Ladies Stand Behind Catherine Zeta-Jones Following Criticism Over Age Criticism Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones faced online commentary about her appearance at an industry FYC event last month. There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism across platforms over her appearance during a high-profile function. The actor was present at a promotional function in Los Angeles last month during which an online segment featuring her role in the latest Wednesday was overshadowed because of remarks about her age. A Chorus of Defence Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "utter foolishness", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline that women do". "Men are free from this expiration date that women do," stated Laura White. Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear however she liked. Digital Backlash Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two. But many of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were critical towards her looks. The online backlash ignited a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip from a social media user which stated: "You bully females if they undergo treatments and bully them if they avoid sufficient procedures." Others also came to her defence, one stating: "She is growing older naturally and she is beautiful." Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that is life." Making a Point Ms White arrived without cosmetics on air as a demonstration. She appeared on air recently makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "template" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear. Similar to numerous females her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and be "vibrant". "Growing older is a privilege and if we can age the best we can, that's what is important," she stated further. She argued that men aren't judged by the same appearance ideals, noting "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only appear 'fantastic'." She explained this was one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife continue to exist" and "still have it". Unfair Scrutiny From Wales beauty writer Sali Hughes argues women are frequently and unfairly criticized as they grow older. Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "not the point", adding she deserves to be able to look as she wishes absent her age coming under examination. She stated the online abuse demonstrated that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" that they are not good enough or youthful enough - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter the individual targeted". When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "absolutely not", explaining females are targeted simply for having the "nerve" to live online while aging. An Impossible Standard Even with cosmetic companies promoting "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged without intervention or chose interventions such as plastic surgery or fillers. "When a woman ages gracefully, commenters state more could be done; when you have treatments, you're accused of trying too hard," she concluded.