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Women are rallying for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by scrutiny across platforms regarding her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Los Angeles recently during which an online segment about her role in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed due to discussion focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the negative reaction "utter foolishness", noting that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

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

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be free to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were negative towards her looks.

The online backlash ignited significant support of Zeta-Jones, featuring a popular post online which said: "You bully females when they get too much work done and bully them for not having enough work."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "It's called aging naturally and she appears stunning."

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

Making a Point

Ms White arrived on air earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman in her 50s ought to appear.

As with others in her demographic, she stated she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but to feel "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Ageing is a privilege and if we can live gracefully, that's what truly counts," she added.

Ms White stated that men were not held to identical appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions how old famous men are - they just appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted it was part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that while the actor is "gorgeous" that is "not the point", stating further she should be at liberty to look as she wishes without her years being scrutinised.

She said the online abuse proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

Asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she said "absolutely not", explaining women were attacked simply for having the "nerve" to live on social media while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you undergo work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.