🔗 Share this article Ladies Stand For the Oscar-Winning Actor Amidst Age-Shaming Comments Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones was subject to criticism regarding her appearance during an industry event in November. Women are rallying for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny online about her appearance following a high-profile appearance. The actor was present at a Netflix event in Hollywood last month where an online segment featuring her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of comments about her age. Widespread Backing Aged 58, Laura White, described the online criticism "absolute rubbish", noting that "males escape such a timeline which women face". "Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," said Ms White. Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged growing older and the actor deserves to be free to look however she liked. Online Reaction In the video, uploaded to Facebook and had millions of views, the actor, originally from Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in portraying her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two. Yet a significant number of the online responses centered on her age and were negative about her appearance. This criticism triggered significant support for Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip online which stated: "There is criticism for females if they undergo treatments and criticize them when they don't have enough work." Online users spoke up for her, one stating: "She is ageing naturally and she looks beautiful." Some called her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she appears her age - that is the natural process." A Statement Arrival Laura White appeared makeup-free for her interview as a demonstration. Ms White arrived on air earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "mold" of how a woman in midlife is supposed to look. Like many women her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but so she feels "improved" and look "healthy". "Ageing is an honour and provided we age the best we can, that is what is important," she stated further. She argued that males are not subject to the same appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they just are described as 'fantastic'." She said that became one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "retain their appeal". A Fundamental Problem From Wales beauty writer Hughes states women are often and harshly scrutinized for the natural aging process. The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that although the actor is "stunning" that is "irrelevant", stating further she deserves to be able to appear as she wishes without her years coming under examination. Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated not a single woman is "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are not good enough or of the right age - a situation that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted". Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", adding women were attacked just for demonstrating the "nerve" to exist online while growing older. A Double Bind Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said women were still face criticism if they age gracefully or chose interventions like surgical procedures or injections. "When a woman ages gracefully, others claim you should do more; when you have work done, you are criticized for failing to age well," she remarked further.