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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her appearance following a red carpet function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in LA on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to discussion about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape such a timeline which women face," argued the pageant winner.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, women were criticized growing older and she ought to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, uploaded to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Wales, discussed the pleasure of portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But many of the numerous remarks centered on her years and were negative towards her appearance.

This criticism ignited widespread defence for the actor, including a widely-shared clip from a social media user which stated: "People criticize females for having too much work done and bully them when they don't have enough."

Others also spoke up for her, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she looks beautiful."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she looks her age - that's called reality."

Making a Point

The winner attended at the studio recently makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

As with others her age, she said she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "well" and appear "healthy".

"Getting older represents a gift and if we can live the best we can, that is what is important," she stated further.

Ms White stated that men aren't subject to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, adding "no-one questions how old famous men are - they simply look 'fantastic'."

She explained it was one of the reasons for entering the competition for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "irrelevant", noting she deserves to be free to look however she liked free from her years facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or young enough - an issue that is "infuriating, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men face identical criticism, she said "not at all", noting women were attacked merely for demonstrating the "nerve" to exist on social media while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Despite the wellness sector advocating for "longevity", she commented women were still face criticism whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments including plastic surgery or injectables.

"If you age naturally, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo treatments, you're accused of failing to age well," she added.