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Women are rallying in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks online regarding her looks at a recent industry event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood last month where a social media clip discussing her character in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated because of comments focusing on her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men don't have this expiration date that women do," argued Ms White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, females are criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

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

But many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were critical regarding her looks.

This criticism sparked significant support of the actor, featuring a popular post online which stated: "People criticize females when they get cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

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

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight the absence of a "mold" of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

Like many women of her years, she said she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "improved" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a privilege and when we do it the best we can, that is what is important," she continued.

She contended that men aren't subject to identical aesthetic benchmarks, noting "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they just appear 'great'."

She explained this was one of the reasons behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that midlife women continue to exist" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "beside the point", adding she deserves to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses without her years facing scrutiny.

She said the online abuse proved no woman was "protected" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, regardless of the person involved".

Questioned on whether males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "absolutely not", adding women were targeted simply for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on the internet while aging.

A Double Bind

Despite the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", Hughes said women were still judged whether they aged gracefully or chose interventions including plastic surgery or injections.

"If you age naturally, commenters state you should do more; when you have procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.