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Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism across platforms regarding her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Hollywood recently where a social media clip about her role in season two of Wednesday became dominated due to comments about her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".

"Men are free from this expiration date which women face," argued the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, females are criticized growing older and she ought to be free to look however she liked.

Online Reaction

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a significant number of the online responses zeroed in on her age and were disparaging towards her appearance.

This criticism triggered widespread defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which said: "People criticize females if they undergo too much work done and bully them for not having enough."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "This is aging naturally and she is stunning."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived for her interview earlier without any makeup to "prove a point" and to show that there is no fixed "template" for what a woman in midlife should look like.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "improved" and appear "healthy".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can live gracefully, that is what is important," she continued.

Ms White stated that men aren't subject to equivalent beauty standards, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men might be - they simply look 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted it was part of the motivation for entering the competition for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "beside the point", noting she ought to be able to look in any way she chooses without her years facing scrutiny.

She said the digital criticism showed that no female is "immune" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" which says they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the person involved".

Asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she responded "no, never", adding females are attacked just for demonstrating the "boldness" to exist on the internet while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector emphasizing "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still judged whether they aged without intervention or chose interventions such as plastic surgery or fillers.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.