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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism across platforms over her appearance at a recent high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in LA last month during which an online segment featuring her role in the latest Wednesday became dominated because of discussion focusing on her appearance.

Widespread Backing

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

"Men are free from such a timeline imposed on women," stated Ms White.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and she ought to be able to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and garnered more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Swansea, talked about the pleasure of exploring her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However a significant number of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were disparaging about her looks.

The online backlash sparked widespread defence for the actor, featuring a viral video online which stated: "There is criticism for females when they get treatments and criticize them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "It's called aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "template" of how a female of a certain age should look like.

Like many women of her years, she stated she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but so she feels "better" and be "healthy".

"Getting older represents an honour and when we live gracefully, this is what really matters," she stated further.

She contended that men aren't judged by equivalent beauty standards, adding "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just appear 'great'."

She explained this was one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to "show that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "irrelevant", noting she deserves to be free to look in any way she chooses free from her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the digital criticism proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of the person involved".

When asked if males encounter identical criticism, she said "no, never", noting females are criticized merely for having the "audacity" to live on the internet while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "longevity", she commented women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures such as cosmetic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older naturally, people say more could be done; when you have treatments, you're accused of failing to age well," she concluded.