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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny online over her appearance at a recent red carpet event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles last month where an online segment about her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of discussion focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, described the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", adding that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," argued Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, which was also posted on social media and attracted millions of views, the actor, originally from Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

Yet many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were critical towards her looks.

This criticism ignited widespread defence for the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from a social media user which stated: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them when they don't have enough."

Commenters also came to her defence, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she is stunning."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she looks her age - that's called the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

She appeared at the studio recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

Like many women her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "well" and appear "healthy".

"Ageing is a privilege and when we do it the best we can, that is what is important," she added.

She argued that males are not subject to the same appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask how old famous men might be - they simply are described as 'great'."

She explained that became part of the motivation behind her participation in the competition for over-45s, to prove that midlife women are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that while the actor is "stunning" that is "irrelevant", adding she should be at liberty to appear however she liked without her age facing scrutiny.

She said the social media vitriol proved not a single woman is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" that they are insufficient or young enough - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter the person involved".

When asked if men face equivalent judgment, she answered "absolutely not", noting women were attacked merely for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present online as they age.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry promoting "longevity", she commented females are still judged whether they aged without intervention or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"If you age naturally, people say you ought to try harder; if you get procedures, people say you failing to age well," she remarked further.