Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has found herself in hot water after a seemingly playful interaction with a minor on TikTok took a deeply uncomfortable turn, prompting a wave of criticism from concerned social media users.
The incident unfolded when the Chicago star, 54, responded to a video posted by 16-year-old influencer Sienna Mae Gomez. The teen was showcasing a new hairstyle in her clip, to which Zeta-Jones commented directly on the post, making a remark about the young girl's physical appearance that many have deemed wholly inappropriate.
Rather than being received as a harmless compliment, the comment sparked immediate backlash. Viewers were quick to flock to the platform, accusing the veteran actress of overstepping boundaries and using language unsuitable for addressing a minor.
Critics were particularly vocal about the power dynamic at play, emphasising that a comment of that nature from a major celebrity to a young, impressionable fan carries significant weight and could be perceived as unsettling.
As the story gained traction, the comment section beneath the teen's video became a battleground of debate. While some rushed to the defence of the Hollywood A-lister, insisting her words were meant as a simple gesture of kindness, the overwhelming consensus condemned the remark as ill-advised and awkward.
This is not the first time a celebrity has faced scrutiny for their online interactions with younger fans, reigniting the ongoing conversation about the responsibilities public figures hold on social media and the blurred lines of digital etiquette.
At the time of writing, neither Catherine Zeta-Jones nor representatives for Sienna Mae Gomez have issued a public statement addressing the burgeoning controversy.
