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Women are rallying for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny on social media regarding her looks during a industry function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Los Angeles recently during which an online segment about her character in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed because of comments about her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "men don't have such a timeline which women face".

"Men don't have such a timeline imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

In the video, also shared to Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, the actor, who is from Swansea, talked about the pleasure of exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But many of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were disparaging about her looks.

This criticism sparked a broad defence for the actor, such as a popular post online which stated: "There is criticism for females when they get treatments and bully them if they avoid enough work."

Online users spoke up for her, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", with another adding that "she looks her age - which is simply reality."

Challenging Perceptions

She appeared at the studio earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" for what a female in midlife should look like.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a privilege and provided we do it as well as possible, that is what is important," she stated further.

Ms White stated that men aren't held to identical beauty standards, stating "people don't ask the age of famous men might be - they just appear 'great'."

She said it was part of the motivation for entering Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that midlife women are still here" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that although the actor is "gorgeous" this is "not the point", noting she deserves to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the digital criticism showed not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" which says they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of the person involved".

Asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", noting females are criticized merely for having the "nerve" to live on social media as they age.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", she commented women were still judged if they age gracefully or underwent treatments including cosmetic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, people say you should do more; if you get treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she remarked further.