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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms over her appearance at a recent high-profile event.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Los Angeles on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her role in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed by comments about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "men don't have this expiration date that women do".

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

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, females are unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and had millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the online responses zeroed in on her years and were negative towards her appearance.

The online backlash ignited a broad defence of the actor, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which said: "You bully women if they undergo too much work done and criticize them for not having enough."

Others also spoke up for her, one stating: "This is ageing naturally and she is stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that is the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived at the studio recently without any makeup to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" of how a woman in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females her age, she said she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but to feel "well" and look "vibrant".

"Growing older is an honour and provided we age gracefully, this is what truly counts," she added.

She contended that men were not judged by identical beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just are described as 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted this was a key factor for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", stating further she should be free to appear in any way she chooses absent her years coming under examination.

She stated the digital criticism proved not a single woman is "protected" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "no, never", adding females are targeted merely for having the "nerve" to be present on social media as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "youthful longevity", Hughes said women were still face criticism if they age naturally or chose interventions like plastic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older gracefully, others claim you should do more; when you have work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she added.