Women Rally For the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Related Remarks
Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she faced criticism online over her appearance at a recent red carpet function.
She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles on 9 November where a social media clip discussing her role in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of discussion about her looks.
A Chorus of Defence
Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "utter foolishness", adding that "males escape such a timeline that women do".
"Males escape this expiration date imposed on women," argued Laura White.
Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented unlike men, women were criticized for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to appear as she wishes.
Online Reaction
Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed the pleasure of portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.
Yet a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.
The online backlash triggered widespread defence for the actor, including a popular post online which said: "People criticize women if they undergo treatments and attack them for not having sufficient procedures."
Online users came to her defence, one stating: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks stunning."
Others described her as "beautiful" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is reality."
Making a Point
She appeared at the studio earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to highlight the absence of a "blueprint" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.
Similar to numerous females of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but so she feels "improved" and look "healthy".
"Getting older represents an honour and provided we live gracefully, this is what is important," she continued.
Ms White stated that men were not subject to identical beauty standards, stating "no-one questions the age of famous men might be - they just appear 'fantastic'."
Ms White noted this was a key factor for entering Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, to "show that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".
Unfair Scrutiny
The author, an author and presenter from Wales, stated that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "irrelevant", stating further she deserves to be at liberty to appear as she wishes absent her age coming under examination.
She said the digital criticism proved no woman was "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" which says they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of the individual targeted".
Asked if men face the same scrutiny, she responded "not at all", noting women were criticized simply for demonstrating the "audacity" to be present on the internet while aging.
A No-Win Situation
Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "youthful longevity", the author stated females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older naturally or chose interventions like plastic surgery or injectables.
"If you age gracefully, others claim you should do more; if you get procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.
