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Females are uniting in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks during a industry event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Los Angeles on 9 November where a social media clip about her character in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed due to discussion concerning her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, described the online criticism "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date that women do," argued Ms White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear however she liked.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, which was also posted on social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in portraying her role, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However a significant number of the hundreds of comments focused on her years and were disparaging towards her appearance.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence for the actor, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which said: "People criticize females for having cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Commenters also came to her defence, as one put it: "This is ageing naturally and she is gorgeous."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she looks her age - that is reality."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air recently with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "template" of how a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women of her years, she stated she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but to feel "well" and appear "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and provided we age the best we can, that's what really matters," she continued.

She argued that men were not subject to identical beauty standards, noting "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply appear 'fantastic'."

She explained it was one of the reasons behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "not the point", stating further she ought to be free to appear as she wishes absent her years facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol showed no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" which says they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "not at all", explaining women were targeted merely for showing "nerve" to live on social media while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", she commented women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older naturally or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"Should you grow older naturally, people say you should do more; if you undergo work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.