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Women are rallying for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism on social media regarding her appearance during a industry appearance.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood last month where an online segment featuring her part in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed by remarks concerning her looks.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, called the backlash "utter foolishness", noting that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

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

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said unlike men, women were unfairly judged for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

However a large portion of the online responses centered on her age and were disparaging about her appearance.

The online backlash sparked significant support for the actor, featuring a viral video from one Facebook user which said: "People criticize women when they get too much work done and criticize them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Online users spoke up for her, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to show that there is no fixed "mold" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

As with others her age, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "improved" and look "in good health".

"Growing older is a privilege and provided we age the best we can, this is what is important," she continued.

She contended that men were not judged by equivalent beauty standards, adding "people don't ask the age of certain male celebrities might be - they only look 'fantastic'."

She said this was one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, said that while the actor is "gorgeous" it was "irrelevant", noting she ought to be at liberty to look however she liked without her age being scrutinised.

She said the social media vitriol proved no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" suggesting they are not good enough or youthful enough - a situation that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

Asked if men face the same scrutiny, she responded "no, never", noting females are attacked just for demonstrating the "audacity" to exist online while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "longevity", the author stated women were still judged if they age without intervention or chose interventions including surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older naturally, people say you should do more; if you get treatments, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.