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Women are rallying for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny on social media over her looks at a recent industry event.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Los Angeles last month where an online segment about her role in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of discussion about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape such a timeline which women face".

"Men are free from this expiration date that women do," argued Ms White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

In the video, also shared to social media and had more than 2.5m views, the actor, hailing from Wales, talked about her enjoyment in exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

Yet many of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were negative towards her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, featuring a viral video from a social media user which stated: "People criticize females if they undergo treatments and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "It's called growing older naturally and she looks beautiful."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply life."

Making a Point

The winner attended at the studio recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to show there was no set "template" for what a woman in midlife is supposed to look.

As with others of her years, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "well" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is a privilege and if we can do it gracefully, this is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that men aren't subject to identical beauty standards, stating "people don't ask how old famous men might be - they just appear 'wonderful'."

She explained that became part of the motivation she entered the competition for women over 45, to "show that midlife women continue to exist" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that although the actor is "stunning" this is "not the point", noting she deserves to be able to appear in any way she chooses absent her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the digital criticism proved that no female is "protected" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" that they are not good enough or young enough - an issue that is "maddening, no matter who the victim is".

Asked if males encounter identical criticism, she said "absolutely not", adding women were attacked just for showing "boldness" to be present online while aging.

A Double Bind

Despite cosmetic companies advocating for "youthful longevity", the author stated females are still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or underwent treatments including surgical procedures or injections.

"When a woman ages without intervention, commenters state you ought to try harder; when you have procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.