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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny across platforms about her looks during a industry function.

She appeared at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November during which a social media clip discussing her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to comments about her looks.

Voices of Support

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do," argued Ms White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and the actor deserves to be able to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and garnered more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the online responses zeroed in on her age and were negative about her looks.

The negative remarks ignited widespread defence for the actor, featuring a viral video from a social media user which stated: "There is criticism for women when they get treatments and attack them if they avoid enough."

Others also rallied in support, one stating: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks beautiful."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply reality."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" for what a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she said she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "better" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and provided we age gracefully, that's what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not judged by identical beauty standards, noting "people don't ask how old famous men are - they only are described as 'wonderful'."

She said it was one of the reasons she entered the competition for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife remain relevant" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", adding she ought to be able to look however she liked absent her years coming under examination.

She said the online abuse proved that no female is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" that they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she answered "not at all", explaining females are attacked merely for showing "audacity" to exist on the internet while growing older.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector emphasizing "longevity", the author stated women were still face criticism whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for trying too hard," she added.