Ladies Stand For the Oscar-Winning Actor Amidst Criticism Over Age Comments

There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism online over her looks following a red carpet appearance.

She appeared at an industry gathering in LA on 9 November where an online segment discussing her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of remarks focusing on her age.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the negative reaction "utter foolishness", adding that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, women were criticized as they age and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, which was also posted on social media and garnered millions of views, the actor, who is from Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However a significant number of the online responses zeroed in on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

This criticism sparked significant support for the actor, such as a popular post from a social media user which declared: "There is criticism for females when they get too much work done and attack them when they don't have enough."

Commenters also came to her defence, as one put it: "It's called growing older naturally and she appears beautiful."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply reality."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared for her interview recently makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show there was no set "mold" of how a female in her 50s ought to appear.

As with others of her years, she stated she "looks after herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and appear "healthy".

"Growing older is a privilege and if we can age as well as possible, that's what really matters," she added.

She contended that males are not subject to the same aesthetic benchmarks, noting "people don't ask the age of famous men are - they simply look 'wonderful'."

She said this was part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division the classic category, to "show that women in midlife continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" it was "irrelevant", adding she should be at liberty to look however she liked free from her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol showed no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - an issue that is "maddening, no matter who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men face the same scrutiny, she answered "absolutely not", adding women were criticized merely for having the "nerve" to be present online as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still criticised whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or injections.

"If you age without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you undergo treatments, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.