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Females are uniting for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks across platforms about her looks during a industry appearance.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Los Angeles recently where an online segment discussing her part in season two of Wednesday became dominated by discussion about her looks.

Voices of Support

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men don't have this expiration date which women face," stated Laura White.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

In the video, also shared to social media and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

However a significant number of the online responses centered on her years and were disparaging about her looks.

This criticism sparked a broad defence for the actor, including a widely-shared clip online which said: "There is criticism for females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having sufficient procedures."

Commenters also spoke up for her, as one put it: "She is growing older naturally and she is stunning."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight that there is no fixed "template" of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

Like many women her age, she said she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and appear "healthy".

"Growing older is a privilege and if we can do it the best we can, that's what is important," she added.

She argued that men were not judged by the same appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask how old famous men might be - they only appear 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted that became a key factor for entering the competition for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife remain relevant" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that while the actor is "gorgeous" it was "not the point", stating further she deserves to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the online abuse proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" that they are insufficient or of the right age - a problem that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Asked if males encounter identical criticism, she answered "no, never", explaining women were criticized simply for showing "nerve" to live online as they age.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry advocating for "longevity", the author stated females are still face criticism whether they aged naturally or chose interventions including cosmetic surgery or injections.

"If you age without intervention, people say you should do more; if you get work done, people say you trying too hard," she added.