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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by scrutiny online about her appearance during a industry event.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Los Angeles recently during which a social media clip about her character in season two of Wednesday became dominated because of discussion focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, called the online criticism "complete nonsense", noting that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape this expiration date which women face," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are criticized as they age and she ought to be free to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, spoke of how much she enjoyed delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were disparaging towards her looks.

The online backlash triggered widespread defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from a social media user which stated: "People criticize women when they get cosmetic procedures and criticize them if they avoid enough."

Online users came to her defence, as one put it: "This is ageing naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called life."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived on air recently without any makeup to make a statement and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

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

"Growing older is a gift and when we live gracefully, that's what really matters," she continued.

She argued that males are not subject to identical beauty standards, adding "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just look 'great'."

Ms White noted it was one of the reasons she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that midlife women remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that while the actor is "stunning" this is "not the point", stating further she should be free to look however she liked free from her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the digital criticism showed not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" that they are not good enough or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, irrespective of who the victim is".

Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", explaining women were attacked just for having the "boldness" to live on social media as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", she commented females are still judged whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; if you undergo work done, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she added.