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Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism across platforms regarding her looks at a recent industry event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where a social media clip discussing her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed by comments concerning her age.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the backlash "utter foolishness", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".

"Men are free from such a timeline imposed on women," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and Zeta-Jones should be able to look however she liked.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

However a significant number of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were disparaging about her looks.

This criticism ignited significant support for the actor, including a widely-shared clip online which declared: "There is criticism for females if they undergo treatments and attack them when they don't have enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, as one put it: "It's called aging naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended for her interview earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" for what a female in midlife ought to appear.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and if we can live the best we can, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She contended that men aren't subject to identical appearance ideals, noting "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just look 'great'."

She explained it 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 "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "not the point", adding she deserves to be at liberty to appear however she liked without her age being scrutinised.

She stated the online abuse showed not a single woman is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - a problem that is "galling, regardless of the person involved".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she answered "not at all", noting females are attacked merely for showing "audacity" to exist on social media while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still judged whether they aged naturally or chose interventions including surgical procedures or injectables.

"If you age without intervention, people say you should do more; when you have treatments, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.