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Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks following a industry function.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in LA recently where a TikTok interview about her role in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed by comments about her appearance.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the negative reaction "complete nonsense", noting that "men aren't given this expiration date imposed on women".

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

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, commented unlike men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and the actor deserves to be free to look in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, also shared to Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in exploring her part, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

However a large portion of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked significant support for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video online which stated: "There is criticism for women for having cosmetic procedures and bully them for not having sufficient procedures."

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

Some called her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she looks her age - which is simply life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "blueprint" of how a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

As with others of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and look "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and if we can live as well as possible, that is what really matters," she added.

She argued that men were not subject to the same beauty standards, noting "no-one questions the age of famous men are - they simply look 'wonderful'."

She said this was a key factor she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that while the actor is "beautiful" this is "not the point", stating further she should be free to appear however she liked without her years coming under examination.

She stated the online abuse demonstrated that no female is "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or young enough - an issue that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether males encounter the same scrutiny, she responded "no, never", adding women were criticized just for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on the internet as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or fillers.

"When a woman ages without intervention, people say you should do more; when you have work done, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.