Ladies Stand For Catherine Zeta-Jones Amidst Age-Related Criticism
Women are rallying for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism across platforms over her appearance at a recent industry event.
She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood recently during which a social media clip featuring her part in the latest Wednesday became dominated due to remarks concerning her appearance.
Widespread Backing
Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "absolute rubbish", noting that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".
"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," said the pageant winner.
Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, females are criticized growing older and she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses.
Online Reaction
In the video, also shared to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in portraying her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.
But many of the online responses focused on her age and were negative regarding her appearance.
This criticism ignited a broad defence for the actor, featuring a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having sufficient procedures."
Online users spoke up for her, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she looks stunning."
Some called her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she looks her age - which is simply life."
A Statement Arrival
She appeared for her interview recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "blueprint" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.
Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "improved" and appear "vibrant".
"Ageing is an honour and provided we live the best we can, this is what really matters," she continued.
Ms White stated that men aren't held to identical beauty standards, adding "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they simply appear 'wonderful'."
She said that became part of the motivation behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, to "show that midlife women continue to exist" and "still have it".
The Core Issue
Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "irrelevant", noting she should be able to appear as she wishes without her years being scrutinised.
Hughes argued the online abuse showed that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" which says they are insufficient or youthful enough - an issue that is "galling, regardless of the individual targeted".
Questioned on whether men experience the same scrutiny, she answered "not at all", adding females are criticized simply for having the "boldness" to exist on the internet as they age.
A Double Bind
Regardless of cosmetic companies promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said women were still criticised if they age gracefully or underwent treatments such as plastic surgery or injectables.
"Should you grow older naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; when you have work done, you're accused of trying too hard," she remarked further.