🔗 Share this article Ladies Stand Behind Catherine Zeta-Jones Amidst Age-Related Remarks Acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones was subject to online commentary regarding her appearance during an industry event in November. There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny on social media about her appearance during a industry function. She appeared at an industry gathering in Los Angeles on 9 November during which a social media clip about her part in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed by comments focusing on her appearance. Voices of Support Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "men don't have this expiration date imposed on women". "Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date that women do," argued Laura White. Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said differently from men, women were unfairly judged as they age and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear as she wishes. Online Reaction Within the clip, uploaded to social media and attracted over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Wales, talked about the pleasure of delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season. But many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were disparaging regarding her appearance. The negative remarks sparked a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video online which said: "There is criticism for females for having treatments and bully them when they don't have sufficient procedures." Others also came to her defence, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she is gorgeous." Others described her as "stunning" and "so pretty", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called life." Making a Point Laura White appeared makeup-free on air to make a statement. She appeared at the studio earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to highlight there was no set "blueprint" for what a woman in midlife ought to appear. Like many women her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and appear "vibrant". "Ageing is a privilege and if we can do it the best we can, this is what truly counts," she continued. She contended that males are not judged by the same beauty standards, noting "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply appear 'fantastic'." She explained that became one of the reasons she entered the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that midlife women continue to exist" and "retain their appeal". Unfair Scrutiny Welsh author and commentator Sali Hughes argues women are consistently and unjustly scrutinized for ageing. The author, a journalist from Wales, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "beside the point", adding she should be at liberty to look however she liked without her years being scrutinised. She said the digital criticism showed that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" that they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is". When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she responded "not at all", explaining women were targeted simply for showing "boldness" to exist on social media while aging. A No-Win Situation Regardless of the beauty industry advocating for "age-defiance", the author stated women were still judged if they age gracefully or underwent treatments such as plastic surgery or injections. "Should you grow older gracefully, others claim you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you're accused of failing to age well," she concluded.