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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism online over her looks following a high-profile function.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in LA last month where an online segment discussing her character in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed by remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "utter foolishness", noting that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Males escape such a timeline which women face," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, which was also posted on Facebook and had millions of views, the actor, hailing from Wales, spoke of her enjoyment in portraying her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks centered on her years and were disparaging regarding her looks.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "People criticize women for having too much work done and bully them if they avoid enough."

Others also spoke up for her, one stating: "It's called growing older naturally and she is beautiful."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared at the studio earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "template" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and look "healthy".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can live as well as possible, this is what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, adding "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they simply are described as 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted this was one of the reasons behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that midlife women are still here" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, said that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "beside the point", stating further she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses without her years being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" that they are lacking or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if men face identical criticism, she answered "no, never", noting women were criticized merely for having the "nerve" to be present on social media as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry advocating for "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged without intervention or underwent treatments like cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, others claim you ought to try harder; if you get treatments, people say you trying too hard," she added.