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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny on social media regarding her looks during a industry function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in LA on 9 November where an online segment featuring her part in the latest Wednesday was overshadowed because of remarks about her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the backlash "utter foolishness", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".

"Men don't have this expiration date imposed on women," stated the pageant winner.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, females are criticized for ageing and she ought to be able to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, also shared to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Swansea, talked about the pleasure of portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But many of the online responses centered on her years and were negative about her looks.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence of the actor, featuring a popular post from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for women for having cosmetic procedures and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

Commenters also rallied in support, one stating: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks beautiful."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that is reality."

Challenging Perceptions

She appeared for her interview earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to highlight that there is no fixed "blueprint" for what a female of a certain age ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and look "healthy".

"Growing older is a gift and when we age as well as possible, that is what is important," she added.

She contended that males are not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, noting "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only look 'fantastic'."

She explained that became one of the reasons for entering the pageant's division the classic category, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, stated that although the actor is "stunning" it was "not the point", stating further she deserves to be able to look in any way she chooses free from her years facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", noting women were targeted just for having the "boldness" to exist on social media while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry advocating for "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still criticised whether they aged naturally or chose interventions such as plastic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you get treatments, you are criticized for trying too hard," she concluded.