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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she faced disparaging remarks online regarding her appearance during a high-profile function.

She appeared at a promotional function in Hollywood last month where a TikTok interview discussing her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to comments focusing on her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape this expiration date that women do".

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

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, said differently from men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted millions of views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

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

The negative remarks sparked significant support for Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip online which stated: "People criticize women for having cosmetic procedures and criticize them if they avoid enough."

Online users spoke up for her, with one writing: "She is growing older naturally and she is beautiful."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "blueprint" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

As with others of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "better" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we live the best we can, that is what is important," she continued.

She contended that men aren't held to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men are - they simply appear 'fantastic'."

She said that became one of the reasons behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "still have it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, said that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "beside the point", stating further she deserves to be able to look in any way she chooses without her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of the person involved".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she said "no, never", explaining females are targeted merely for having the "audacity" to live online while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "longevity", the author stated females are still judged whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or fillers.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; if you undergo treatments, people say you trying too hard," she concluded.