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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny on social media regarding her appearance during a high-profile event.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Los Angeles recently during which a TikTok interview discussing her role in season two of Wednesday was overshadowed by discussion focusing on her appearance.

Voices of Support

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", adding that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

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

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, women were unfairly judged as they age and she ought to be free to appear however she liked.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Wales, talked about the pleasure of portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical about her appearance.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post online which stated: "People criticize females for having treatments and attack them for not having enough."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "She is ageing naturally and she is gorgeous."

Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she appears her age - which is simply life."

Making a Point

The winner attended for her interview recently makeup-free to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "template" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but so she feels "better" and look "in good health".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can live as well as possible, this is what truly counts," she stated further.

She argued that males are not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities are - they only are described as 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted this was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife are still here" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "beside the point", noting she deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses absent her years coming under examination.

She said the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are not good enough or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether males encounter identical criticism, she responded "absolutely not", adding women were criticized just for having the "nerve" to exist online as they age.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "longevity", the author stated women were still face criticism whether they aged naturally or chose interventions like surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you undergo treatments, you are criticized for trying too hard," she concluded.