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There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered scrutiny across platforms regarding her appearance during a industry event.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in LA on 9 November where a social media clip featuring her role in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed by remarks concerning her appearance.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the online criticism "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," argued the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and she ought to be free to look as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet many of the online responses centered on her age and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

The online backlash ignited significant support for Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip from a social media user which stated: "People criticize females when they get cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having enough work."

Others also came to her defence, with one writing: "It's called growing older naturally and she is gorgeous."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called reality."

Making a Point

The winner attended at the studio earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to show the absence of a "template" of how a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but to feel "improved" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is a privilege and provided we do it gracefully, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She contended that men aren't held to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, stating "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just appear 'fantastic'."

She explained this was one of the reasons behind her participation in the pageant's division the classic category, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "irrelevant", noting she should be free to look however she liked absent her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the online abuse showed not a single woman is "immune" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men experience equivalent judgment, she responded "no, never", explaining women were attacked simply for demonstrating the "boldness" to live on the internet while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "age-defiance", she commented women were still face criticism whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim more could be done; if you undergo procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she remarked further.