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There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny across platforms about her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment discussing her character in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed because of discussion focusing on her looks.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, called the backlash "absolute rubbish", stating that "men aren't given this expiration date that women do".

"Men are free from such a timeline imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to look as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

However many of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were critical towards her appearance.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, including a viral video from one Facebook user which said: "You bully females when they get cosmetic procedures and bully them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "It's called ageing naturally and she appears stunning."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she looks her age - which is simply reality."

Challenging Perceptions

She appeared at the studio earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "template" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

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

"Growing older is an honour and when we do it as well as possible, that is what truly counts," she added.

Ms White stated that males are not held to the same beauty standards, noting "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they just look 'great'."

She said it was a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that while the actor is "stunning" that is "not the point", stating further she ought to be free to look in any way she chooses without her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated not a single woman is "immune" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" suggesting they are lacking or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men experience the same scrutiny, she said "no, never", explaining women were criticized merely for showing "boldness" to exist on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"If you age without intervention, people say more could be done; if you undergo treatments, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.