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Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism on social media about her looks following a red carpet event.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles last month where an online segment featuring her character in season two of Wednesday was overshadowed because of discussion concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "complete nonsense", noting that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," stated Ms White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, women were criticized as they age and she ought to be free to appear however she liked.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of portraying her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a significant number of the numerous remarks centered on her years and were disparaging towards her looks.

This criticism ignited significant support of Zeta-Jones, including a popular post from a social media user which declared: "You bully women if they undergo treatments and criticize them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

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

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "she looks her age - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared for her interview recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman in midlife ought to appear.

As with others of her years, she said she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and look "healthy".

"Growing older is a privilege and when we age the best we can, this is what really matters," she stated further.

She contended that men were not judged by identical beauty standards, stating "no-one questions how old famous men might be - they just look 'great'."

She said this was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that midlife women remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" it was "not the point", noting she should be at liberty to look as she wishes absent her years coming under examination.

She stated the online abuse demonstrated that no female is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - a situation that is "infuriating, no matter the person involved".

Questioned on whether males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", adding females are targeted just for having the "nerve" to exist on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still criticised if they age without intervention or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or fillers.

"If you age without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you undergo procedures, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.