🔗 Share this article Women Rally For the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Criticism Over Age Comments Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones faced scrutiny over her looks at a Netflix event in November. There is a groundswell of support for Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she faced disparaging remarks on social media regarding her looks during a high-profile function. Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in LA on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of discussion about her looks. A Chorus of Defence Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "absolute rubbish", stating that "men aren't given this expiration date that women do". "Males escape this expiration date that women do," argued Ms White. Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses. The Social Media Storm In the video, which was also posted on social media and garnered millions of views, the actor, originally from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in season two. Yet many of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were negative towards her looks. The negative remarks sparked a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which declared: "There is criticism for females if they undergo treatments and bully them for not having enough work." Others also rallied in support, one stating: "She is aging naturally and she appears beautiful." Some called her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that's called reality." Challenging Perceptions Ms White appeared makeup-free on air as a demonstration. Ms White arrived at the studio recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to show that there is no fixed "mold" of how a woman in midlife is supposed to look. As with others of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "improved" and appear "in good health". "Getting older represents a gift and if we can live as well as possible, that's what really matters," she added. She contended that men aren't judged by the same beauty standards, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities might be - they simply are described as 'fantastic'." She said that became a key factor behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, in order to demonstrate that midlife women continue to exist" and "still have it". A Fundamental Problem Welsh beauty writer Hughes argues females face being frequently and unfairly scrutinized for the natural aging process. Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "beside the point", adding she deserves to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her years being scrutinised. Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are lacking or youthful enough - an issue that is "infuriating, irrespective of the individual targeted". Questioned on whether men face the same scrutiny, she answered "absolutely not", noting females are attacked merely for demonstrating the "audacity" to be present on the internet while growing older. A No-Win Situation Despite the beauty industry promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said women were still judged whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or fillers. "When a woman ages naturally, people say you ought to try harder; when you have procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she remarked further.