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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she faced criticism on social media about her looks during a high-profile function.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her role in the new series of Wednesday became dominated by discussion concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "complete nonsense", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," argued Ms White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, females are criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and had millions of views, the actor, who is from Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a large portion of the online responses focused on her age and were negative about her appearance.

The negative remarks triggered widespread defence for the actor, including a viral video online which declared: "There is criticism for females when they get cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having sufficient procedures."

Others also rallied in support, as one put it: "It's called growing older naturally and she appears stunning."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and look "in good health".

"Growing older is an honour and when we age the best we can, that's what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not held to the same beauty standards, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men are - they only are described as 'wonderful'."

She said this was a key factor for entering the pageant's division the classic category, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "still have it".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, commented that while the actor is "beautiful" that is "not the point", stating further she deserves to be free to look as she wishes absent her years being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism proved no woman was "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - an issue that is "galling, no matter who the victim is".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she responded "not at all", noting women were targeted merely for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on social media as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "youthful longevity", she commented women were still judged whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"If you age without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you get procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.