🔗 Share this article Females Unite In Support of the Oscar-Winning Actor Following Age-Shaming Criticism Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones encountered criticism about her looks at a Netflix event last month. There is a groundswell of support for Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by scrutiny across platforms over her appearance during a high-profile appearance. The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood recently where an online segment discussing her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of discussion about her looks. A Chorus of Defence This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the negative reaction "utter foolishness", noting that "males escape this expiration date that women do". "Men don't have such a timeline which women face," stated the pageant winner. Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, women were criticized for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to look as she wishes. Online Reaction In the video, uploaded to social media and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in season two. Yet a significant number of the online responses focused on her age and were critical about her appearance. The online backlash triggered a broad defence for the actor, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them for not having sufficient procedures." Others also rallied in support, as one put it: "It's called growing older naturally and she looks gorgeous." Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called life." Making a Point Ms White appeared makeup-free on air to make a statement. She appeared at the studio earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to show there was no set "mold" of how a female of a certain age is supposed to look. Similar to numerous females of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "improved" and appear "in good health". "Ageing is an honour and when we do it as well as possible, this is what really matters," she added. She contended that men were not judged by the same appearance ideals, noting "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply are described as 'great'." She explained this was one of the reasons she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "possess it". A Fundamental Problem Welsh author and commentator Sali Hughes states females are frequently and unfairly scrutinized for the natural aging process. Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that although the actor is "beautiful" it was "beside the point", noting she should be free to look however she liked free from her age coming under examination. Hughes argued the digital criticism proved no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" which says they are insufficient or young enough - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted". When asked if men experience identical criticism, she answered "not at all", explaining women were targeted just for having the "boldness" to live on social media while aging. A No-Win Situation Even with the wellness sector advocating for "age-defiance", the author stated women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or fillers. "Should you grow older naturally, people say you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.