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Women are rallying in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny across platforms over her appearance during a red carpet event.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood last month during which a social media clip discussing her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by discussion focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", noting that "men don't have this expiration date that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date which women face," argued Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about the pleasure of delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet a large portion of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were critical regarding her appearance.

This criticism triggered a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from a social media user which said: "People criticize females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and bully them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Others also rallied in support, as one put it: "This is ageing naturally and she looks beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared at the studio recently makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "mold" for what a female in midlife is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not to look younger but to feel "well" and look "in good health".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can age as well as possible, this is what truly counts," she continued.

She argued that men aren't subject to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, stating "people don't ask the age of famous men are - they simply are described as 'great'."

Ms White noted it was a key factor for entering Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that while the actor is "gorgeous" that is "not the point", adding she should be able to appear in any way she chooses absent her years being scrutinised.

She said the digital criticism showed that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are lacking or youthful enough - an issue that is "infuriating, no matter who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men experience the same scrutiny, she responded "not at all", explaining females are attacked simply for showing "nerve" to live online while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the beauty industry promoting "age-defiance", she commented females are still face criticism if they age naturally or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or injections.

"When a woman ages without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you undergo work done, you're accused of trying too hard," she concluded.