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Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism online over her looks during a industry appearance.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in LA on 9 November where a social media clip discussing her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of discussion about her age.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "absolute rubbish", stating that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

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

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, women were criticized growing older and she ought to be able to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, uploaded to Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, talked about how much she enjoyed portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The online backlash triggered a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, including a viral video from one Facebook user which said: "People criticize women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Online users rallied in support, as one put it: "She is growing older naturally and she is stunning."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview recently without any makeup to make a statement and to show there was no set "template" of how a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women her age, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but so she feels "improved" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can age as well as possible, that's what really matters," she stated further.

Ms White stated that men aren't held to identical beauty standards, noting "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men are - they simply look 'wonderful'."

She said it was one of the reasons she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to "show that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "beside the point", noting she deserves to be free to appear however she liked absent her age being scrutinised.

She stated the social media vitriol demonstrated not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" suggesting they are lacking or young enough - a situation that is "maddening, no matter the person involved".

When asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she said "no, never", noting women were targeted just for having the "nerve" to exist on social media as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", she commented women were still criticised regardless of if they grow older naturally or underwent treatments like plastic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages without intervention, commenters state you ought to try harder; when you have procedures, people say you trying too hard," she concluded.