Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her appearance during a industry function.
The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood recently during which an online segment featuring her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of remarks focusing on her appearance.
Widespread Backing
Aged 58, Laura White, described the negative reaction "utter foolishness", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".
"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do," said Laura White.
Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and Zeta-Jones should be free to look however she liked.
The Social Media Storm
In the video, uploaded to Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Wales, talked about the pleasure of delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.
Yet a significant number of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were negative about her looks.
The online backlash sparked a broad defence for the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for females for having treatments and bully them when they don't have sufficient procedures."
Commenters also came to her defence, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she appears beautiful."
Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", with another adding that "she appears her age - which is simply reality."
A Statement Arrival
The winner attended on air recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to highlight there was no set "mold" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.
Similar to numerous females her age, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and appear "healthy".
"Getting older represents an honour and when we live the best we can, this is what truly counts," she added.
She contended that males are not subject to equivalent appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only appear 'great'."
She explained this was a key factor behind her participation in the competition for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife remain relevant" and "possess it".
The Core Issue
The author, a journalist from Wales, stated that while the actor is "gorgeous" it was "not the point", stating further she deserves to be able to look however she liked free from her age facing scrutiny.
She said the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "immune" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" which says they are not good enough or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".
Questioned on whether males encounter identical criticism, she answered "no, never", noting women were attacked merely for showing "boldness" to live on social media as they age.
A No-Win Situation
Despite the wellness sector advocating for "age-defiance", she commented females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures like plastic surgery or injectables.
"Should you grow older without intervention, others claim you ought to try harder; when you have work done, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.
