Women Rally In Support of the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Related Comments
Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny across platforms regarding her appearance following a red carpet appearance.
She appeared at a promotional function in LA on 9 November where a TikTok interview about her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed by comments concerning her age.
Widespread Backing
This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "complete nonsense", noting that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".
"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," said Ms White.
Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and the actor deserves to be free to look in any way she chooses.
Digital Backlash
In the video, also shared to social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.
Yet a large portion of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical about her looks.
The negative remarks ignited widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "People criticize females for having treatments and attack them if they avoid enough work."
Others also spoke up for her, as one put it: "It's called ageing naturally and she appears beautiful."
Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she appears her age - which is simply life."
Making a Point
She appeared at the studio earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to demonstrate the absence of a "blueprint" for what a female of a certain age is supposed to look.
Like many women in her demographic, she said she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and be "vibrant".
"Growing older is a privilege and provided we age as well as possible, that is what truly counts," she stated further.
She contended that men aren't judged by identical aesthetic benchmarks, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities might be - they simply appear 'fantastic'."
She said it was part of the motivation for entering the competition for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "still have it".
A Fundamental Problem
Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, commented that although the actor is "gorgeous" that is "not the point", noting she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her years coming under examination.
Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "galling, regardless of the individual targeted".
Questioned on whether males encounter the same scrutiny, she responded "absolutely not", explaining females are targeted simply for showing "nerve" to be present online while aging.
A Double Bind
Even with the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged naturally or chose interventions like surgical procedures or injectables.
"If you age gracefully, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo treatments, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.
