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Females are uniting for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she faced criticism online regarding her looks following a industry event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in LA on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her character in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed by comments focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "men aren't given such a timeline imposed on women".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," said Ms White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and the actor deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

During the interview, also shared to social media and garnered millions of views, the actor, originally from Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

Yet many of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were disparaging about her looks.

The negative remarks sparked a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from a social media user which stated: "You bully females when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them when they don't have enough."

Others also rallied in support, with one writing: "This is growing older naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she appears her age - which is simply reality."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived for her interview earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "mold" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

Like many women her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but so she feels "well" and look "in good health".

"Ageing is a privilege and provided we do it the best we can, that is what really matters," she added.

She contended that men aren't subject to the same appearance ideals, adding "no-one questions how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only look 'wonderful'."

She explained this was one of the reasons she entered the pageant's division for over-45s, to "show that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "not the point", adding she should be free to appear in any way she chooses free from her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience the same scrutiny, she responded "absolutely not", adding females are attacked just for showing "boldness" to live on the internet while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the wellness sector emphasizing "youthful longevity", she commented women were still judged whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you get treatments, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she added.