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Women are rallying in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms over her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Los Angeles last month during which a social media clip discussing her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of remarks focusing on her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", stating that "men don't have such a timeline which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face," said Laura White.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and Zeta-Jones should be free to look in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

In the video, uploaded to social media and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But many of the online responses focused on her years and were disparaging towards her appearance.

The negative remarks triggered significant support for Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which declared: "There is criticism for females for having cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid enough work."

Commenters also came to her defence, one stating: "It's called growing older naturally and she is stunning."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived on air recently makeup-free to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "template" of how a female in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not to look younger but to feel "better" and look "in good health".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we do it the best we can, that is what is important," she continued.

She contended that men aren't judged by equivalent beauty standards, adding "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they just appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted it was one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age are still here" and "possess it".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although the actor is "stunning" this is "beside the point", noting she deserves to be able to look in any way she chooses without her years coming under examination.

She said the online abuse showed no woman was "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - a problem that is "maddening, no matter the person involved".

Asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "absolutely not", explaining women were attacked merely for showing "nerve" to exist on the internet while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry advocating for "longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"Should you grow older without intervention, others claim you ought to try harder; if you undergo work done, people say you failing to age well," she remarked further.