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Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny on social media over her appearance following a red carpet event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment discussing her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion concerning her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented unlike men, females are unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

In the video, uploaded to social media and had millions of views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Wales, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were critical towards her appearance.

This criticism sparked widespread defence of the actor, featuring a popular post from a social media user which declared: "There is criticism for women for having cosmetic procedures and attack them for not having enough."

Others also rallied in support, one stating: "This is aging naturally and she appears beautiful."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called life."

Making a Point

The winner attended for her interview earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" of how a woman in her 50s ought to appear.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and be "vibrant".

"Growing older is an honour and provided we live as well as possible, that is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that men aren't held to identical aesthetic benchmarks, noting "people don't ask the age of certain male celebrities are - they only look 'wonderful'."

She explained this was a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, a writer and commentator from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "irrelevant", adding she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses without her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse proved that no female is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", explaining females are criticized simply for showing "audacity" to exist on the internet as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "longevity", the author stated women were still criticised whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures such as surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; if you get work done, people say you trying too hard," she added.