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Females are uniting in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks during a industry function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Los Angeles last month during which a social media clip about her character in season two of Wednesday became dominated by discussion about her looks.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, described the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "men don't have such a timeline that women do".

"Men don't have this expiration date that women do," argued the pageant winner.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented unlike men, females are criticized as they age and the actor deserves to be free to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

In the video, also shared to social media and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

Yet a large portion of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were critical about her appearance.

This criticism ignited a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have enough."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "This is growing older naturally and she appears stunning."

Some called her as "stunning" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she appears her age - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived on air earlier without any makeup to "prove a point" and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "template" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she said she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "well" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can age as well as possible, that is what is important," she added.

She contended that males are not subject to identical beauty standards, adding "nobody scrutinizes how old certain male celebrities might be - they only appear 'great'."

Ms White noted this was part of the motivation she entered the competition for over-45s, to prove that midlife women are still here" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "irrelevant", adding she deserves to be free to look as she wishes free from her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol demonstrated not a single woman is "immune" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or of the right age - a situation that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men experience equivalent judgment, she said "no, never", noting females are criticized simply for showing "audacity" to be present on the internet while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged without intervention or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older naturally, people say more could be done; if you get work done, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.