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There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny online over her looks following a red carpet event.

She appeared at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where a social media clip about her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, called the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline imposed on women".

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

Author Sali Hughes, 50, said unlike men, women were criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, spoke of the pleasure of exploring her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

However a significant number of the numerous remarks focused on her years and were critical towards her looks.

This criticism triggered widespread defence of the actor, featuring a popular post from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for females when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them for not having enough work."

Others also spoke up for her, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she appears stunning."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared for her interview recently makeup-free to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "mold" for what a woman of a certain age should look like.

Like many women of her years, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but so she feels "improved" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we age gracefully, that's what truly counts," she continued.

She contended that males are not judged by the same aesthetic benchmarks, adding "no-one questions the age of famous men might be - they only appear 'fantastic'."

She explained that became a key factor for entering the pageant's division for women over 45, to "show that midlife women continue to exist" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "not the point", noting she ought to be free to look however she liked absent her age being scrutinised.

She said the social media vitriol proved not a single woman is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are not good enough or youthful enough - an issue that is "infuriating, regardless of the individual targeted".

Asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", adding women were criticized just for showing "boldness" to be present on social media as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite cosmetic companies emphasizing "longevity", the author stated females are still judged if they age naturally or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or fillers.

"When a woman ages gracefully, others claim more could be done; when you have work done, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.