Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta Jones has found herself at the centre of a heated online debate after social media users criticised her appearance following a recent red-carpet event. However, the backlash has sparked a powerful wave of support from women, journalists, and fans. Hence, it has reignited conversation around ageism, beauty standards, and how ageing women are treated online.
What Triggered the Controversy?
The 56-year-old Welsh-born star attended a Netflix promotional event in Los Angeles on November 9, where she spoke in a TikTok interview about reprising her iconic role as Morticia Addams in the upcoming season of Wednesday. The video gained massive traction, as it crossed 2.5 million views across TikTok and Facebook. However, much of the attention shifted away from her professional insights.
Instead, hundreds of comments were focused on Catherine Zeta-Jones’ age and looks. However, some of them call her rough and suggest she should retire gracefully while speculating about her skincare and lifestyle choices. Moreover, the tone of criticism highlighted a recurring issues that women faces in the public eye, i.e, relentless scrutiny simply for ageing.
A Strong Wave of Support for Catherine Zeta Jones
The defence started as the negative commentary mounted. However, women from different life rallied behind Catherine Zeta-Jones. In addition, they call out what many described as double standards applied to ageing women.
Laura White, 58, winner of Miss Great Britain Classic, dismissed the backlash by calling it complete nonsense. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales. White said there is no fixed template for how women in their 50s should look.
She added a striking observation in conversation, “Men don’t have this sell-by or use-by date. No one questions how old Tom Cruise or George Clooney are — they’re just told they look great.”
White joined the interview without makeup to highlight her point. She said ageing is not something women should apologise for. Moreover, she added, “Age is a privilege. Looking healthy and feeling good matters more than trying to look younger”
Experts Call Out Ageism
Renowned Welsh beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, also joined the support for Catherine Zeta Jones. She said that women are unfairly judged for ageing, regardless of whether they choose to age naturally or opt for cosmetic treatment.
According to Hughes, no woman is immune to online abuse. She said, “ If you are naturally, people say you should do more. If you get work done, you are accused of not ageing gracefully.”
Hughes highlighted that the issue is not whether Catherine Zeta-Jones looks gorgeous. Instead, women should be free to exist without their age being weaponised against them”.
Viral Defence from Fans
Facebook user JayDee Milo struck a chord globally, as it gathered more than 1.7 million views. His message summed up the frustration many feel.
His message states, “You bully women when they get too much work done and bully them when they do not have enough”.
Thousands of social media users echoed similar sentiment, as they praised Catherine Zeta Jones for ageing naturally and calling the criticism unrealistic and unfair. “She looks her age, that’s called reality”, and “It’s called ageing naturally, and she looks beautiful” are such comments that flooded social media.
Why This Resonates Globally — Including the UAE
The Catherine Zeta Jones debate has highlighted a universal truth that ageing should not diminish the value of women. Plus, this truth has circulated throughout the world, as conversations around beauty, wellness, and self-care are increasingly evolving.
Voices pushing back against ageism are becoming louder and more important as social media continues to shape public opinion.
Read more:
Jason Momoa Transforms Into Lobo in DC’s Supergirl 2026: Fans Celebrate the Perfect Casting
ChatGPT 5.2: Most Powerful Model Yet Brings Faster, Smarter AI
Robo Taxi With Uber App 2025: Dubai Introduces Excellent WeRide Robotaxi in Umm Suqeim & Jumeirah
