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There is a groundswell of support for Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny across platforms about her looks at a recent high-profile event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in LA recently where a social media clip about her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of comments focusing on her age.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "males escape this expiration date that women do".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date which women face," stated Ms White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, uploaded to social media and had millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However a significant number of the numerous remarks focused on her years and were negative towards her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, including a viral video online which said: "People criticize women for having treatments and bully them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Commenters also came to her defence, one stating: "She is growing older naturally and she looks beautiful."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "lovely", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to show there was no set "blueprint" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but to feel "improved" and appear "healthy".

"Ageing is a privilege and when we age the best we can, that's what really matters," she stated further.

She argued that males are not judged by identical aesthetic benchmarks, adding "nobody scrutinizes how old certain male celebrities might be - they just appear 'fantastic'."

She said that became one of the reasons behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife continue to exist" and "still have it".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, a journalist from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "irrelevant", stating further she should be free to appear as she wishes free from her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol proved not a single woman is "immune" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men face identical criticism, she said "not at all", adding women were criticized merely for showing "audacity" to exist on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older naturally or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you get work done, you are criticized for trying too hard," she added.