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Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks during a industry event.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in LA on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed by discussion focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "utter foolishness", noting that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," said the pageant winner.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, women were criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

In the video, also shared to social media and garnered more than 2.5m views, the actor, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a significant number of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited significant support of Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which declared: "You bully women if they undergo too much work done and bully them for not having enough work."

Others also rallied in support, as one put it: "This is growing older naturally and she is gorgeous."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared at the studio earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and appear "healthy".

"Ageing is a gift and provided we live the best we can, that is what is important," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not judged by the same beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just appear 'wonderful'."

She said this was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to "show that midlife women are still here" and "still have it".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, an author and presenter from Wales, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", noting she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses without her years coming under examination.

She said the online abuse showed that no female is "protected" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" that they are not good enough or young enough - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of who the victim is".

Asked if men face identical criticism, she responded "no, never", noting females are targeted just for having the "nerve" to be present on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of cosmetic companies promoting "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or fillers.

"If you age naturally, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo work done, people say you failing to age well," she added.