Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she faced disparaging remarks online regarding her appearance at a recent high-profile function.
The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood recently during which a TikTok interview featuring her role in the new series of Wednesday became dominated by discussion about her looks.
This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "men aren't given this expiration date that women do".
"Men don't have this expiration date that women do," argued Ms White.
Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said differently from men, women were unfairly judged for ageing and the actor deserves to be able to look as she wishes.
In the video, which was also posted on social media and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.
However a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were negative towards her appearance.
The negative remarks triggered a broad defence of the actor, including a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "People criticize women if they undergo too much work done and bully them when they don't have sufficient procedures."
Online users came to her defence, one stating: "This is ageing naturally and she is beautiful."
Some called her as "stunning" and "so pretty", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that's called life."
The winner attended on air earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to show there was no set "template" for what a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.
Similar to numerous females of her years, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "improved" and appear "in good health".
"Growing older is a gift and provided we live gracefully, this is what is important," she continued.
She argued that males are not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only are described as 'great'."
Ms White noted this was a key factor behind her participation in the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "retain their appeal".
The author, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, said that while the actor is "stunning" that is "irrelevant", stating further she deserves to be free to appear however she liked absent her age facing scrutiny.
She stated the social media vitriol demonstrated that no female is "immune" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" that they are lacking or youthful enough - an issue that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".
Asked if men experience the same scrutiny, she responded "not at all", explaining women were attacked simply for showing "boldness" to be present on the internet while growing older.
Regardless of the wellness sector advocating for "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injectables.
"Should you grow older without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you get treatments, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.
