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There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks at a recent red carpet appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where a social media clip discussing her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by remarks focusing on her age.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, called the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date imposed on women," argued Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said unlike men, women were criticized for ageing and the actor deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, also shared to social media and had millions of views, the actor, hailing from Wales, discussed the pleasure of delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But many of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were critical towards her looks.

This criticism triggered widespread defence of the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which declared: "There is criticism for females if they undergo too much work done and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users spoke up for her, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process."

Making a Point

She appeared on air earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" of how a female in her 50s should look like.

Like many women of her years, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "improved" and be "in good health".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can do it gracefully, that's what is important," she added.

She contended that men aren't subject to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, noting "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just are described as 'fantastic'."

She explained that became one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "possess it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "not the point", stating further she deserves to be at liberty to appear however she liked free from her age coming under examination.

She said the social media vitriol showed that no female is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Asked if men experience the same scrutiny, she responded "no, never", explaining females are targeted simply for showing "boldness" to be present on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of cosmetic companies advocating for "age-defiance", she commented women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures like plastic surgery or injectables.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim you should do more; when you have procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.