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There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks on social media about her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Hollywood recently during which a social media clip about her character in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed due to remarks about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

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

"Men don't have this expiration date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, said unlike men, women were unfairly judged for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

In the video, also shared to social media and attracted over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But many of the online responses centered on her years and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited a broad defence for the actor, featuring a popular post from one Facebook user which said: "People criticize females for having treatments and attack them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Commenters also came to her defence, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply life."

Making a Point

The winner attended on air recently makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" for what a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

Like many women of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but so she feels "better" and be "healthy".

"Growing older is an honour and provided we do it the best we can, that's what really matters," she stated further.

She argued that men were not held to the same appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask how old certain male celebrities might be - they just appear 'great'."

She said this was part of the motivation behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a journalist from Wales, stated that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "irrelevant", noting she should be at liberty to appear as she wishes free from her age facing scrutiny.

She said the social media vitriol showed no woman was "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" suggesting they are lacking or young enough - an issue that is "infuriating, no matter the person involved".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she responded "not at all", adding women were criticized just for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present online as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", the author stated women were still criticised whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or injections.

"If you age gracefully, people say you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.