🔗 Share this article Ladies Stand In Support of Catherine Zeta-Jones Amidst Age-Shaming Criticism Acclaimed star Zeta-Jones was subject to scrutiny over her looks at a Netflix event in November. There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks during a red carpet event. The actor was present at an industry gathering in Los Angeles on 9 November during which a social media clip featuring her role in the latest Wednesday became dominated by comments about her appearance. Widespread Backing Laura White, 58, labelled the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women". "Men don't have this expiration date which women face," argued Laura White. Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged as they age and she ought to be able to appear as she wishes. Digital Backlash Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and had millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in portraying her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season. Yet many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were negative towards her appearance. The negative remarks ignited significant support of the actor, including a widely-shared clip online which said: "There is criticism for females if they undergo too much work done and attack them when they don't have enough." Commenters also came to her defence, with one writing: "She is growing older naturally and she looks beautiful." Many labelled her as "stunning" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process." A Statement Arrival Ms White arrived without cosmetics during her appearance to "prove a point". The winner attended on air earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" of how a woman of a certain age is supposed to look. As with others her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "well" and look "vibrant". "Growing older is a privilege and if we can age as well as possible, that is what is important," she added. She argued that males are not subject to the same appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask how old certain male celebrities are - they simply look 'wonderful'." She said it was one of the reasons behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal". The Core Issue Welsh beauty writer Hughes says females are consistently and unjustly scrutinized as they grow older. Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that although the actor is "stunning" this is "beside the point", adding she deserves to be able to appear however she liked without her years coming under examination. Hughes argued the digital criticism proved no woman was "immune" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are insufficient or young enough - a problem that is "galling, no matter who the victim is". When asked if men face identical criticism, she responded "no, never", adding females are attacked simply for having the "boldness" to exist on social media while growing older. A No-Win Situation Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or chose interventions including cosmetic surgery or fillers. "Should you grow older without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you undergo work done, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.