🔗 Share this article Ladies Stand Behind the Oscar-Winning Actor Amidst Age-Related Criticism Acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones encountered criticism about her looks during a Netflix event in November. Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks online over her looks during a industry appearance. The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood recently during which an online segment featuring her character in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion about her looks. Widespread Backing Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "utter foolishness", adding that "men don't have such a timeline imposed on women". "Men are free from such a timeline that women do," stated the pageant winner. Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and she ought to be at liberty to appear as she wishes. Digital Backlash In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and garnered more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season. Yet many of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were disparaging towards her looks. The negative remarks ignited widespread defence for the actor, featuring a viral video from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for women for having too much work done and attack them when they don't have enough." Online users spoke up for her, as one put it: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks beautiful." Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply the natural process." Making a Point Ms White arrived makeup-free for her interview as a demonstration. She appeared on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to show the absence of a "template" of how a woman in midlife should look like. As with others her age, she said she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "improved" and look "healthy". "Ageing is an honour and provided we do it the best we can, this is what is important," she stated further. Ms White stated that men were not held to the same aesthetic benchmarks, noting "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only look 'great'." Ms White noted it was one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that midlife women continue to exist" and "retain their appeal". Unfair Scrutiny Welsh beauty writer Sali Hughes argues females face being consistently and unjustly scrutinized as they grow older. The author, a journalist from Wales, said that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "irrelevant", noting she deserves to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses without her years coming under examination. Hughes argued the digital criticism proved no woman was "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or of the right age - a problem that is "galling, irrespective of the person involved". Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "absolutely not", adding women were attacked just for having the "nerve" to live on the internet while aging. An Impossible Standard Even with the beauty industry advocating for "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures such as plastic surgery or fillers. "When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; when you have work done, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.