Support pours in for Catherine Zeta-Jones after online bash

International

A BRIEF interview clip of Catherine Zeta-Jones has unexpectedly turned into a rallying point, as women challenge the ageist criticism that followed her latest red carpet appearance.

Support for the Oscar-winning actor has surged after online commenters criticized her appearance following a Nov. 9 red carpet interview in Los Angeles promoting the new season of Wednesday.

The TikTok clip of the exchange, which drew millions of views, shifted from discussion of her role as Morticia Addams to a wave of remarks focusing on her age.

Much of the criticism prompted immediate pushback from women who said the scrutiny reflected a familiar double standard.

In a BBC report, Laura White, 58, this year’s Miss Great Britain Classic, called the backlash “complete nonsense.”

She later appeared makeup-free on the station’s Radio Wales Breakfast to highlight what she described as rigid expectations placed on women in midlife.

White said she maintains her health to feel well rather than to look younger.

She noted that public conversation rarely questions the ages of male stars such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones. White explained that this imbalance was part of the reason she entered Miss Great Britain’s over-45s category, which she saw as an opportunity to show that women in midlife remain visible and confident.

Beauty journalist and author Sali Hughes also criticised the scrutiny.

Hughes described Zeta-Jones as “gorgeous” but said the attention on her age overshadowed broader issues surrounding how women are judged. She said women face contradictory expectations, including being encouraged to age naturally yet criticised when they do, while also being judged if they pursue cosmetic procedures. Hughes added that men do not face equivalent pressure and argued that online hostility toward ageing women reflects long-standing cultural biases.

Public response continued across social media, where many users challenged the tone of the comments.

A viral Facebook video argued that women are criticised both for having cosmetic procedures and for avoiding them. Others defended Zeta-Jones directly, with comments describing her as beautiful or noting that looking one’s age is simply reality.(MyTVCebu)