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Women are rallying in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by scrutiny online over her appearance at a recent industry event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in LA on 9 November where a TikTok interview discussing her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to remarks about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "complete nonsense", adding that "men don't have such a timeline imposed on women".

"Men don't have such a timeline imposed on women," said the pageant winner.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, stated differently from men, women were unfairly judged as they age and she ought to be free to appear however she liked.

Online Reaction

In the video, which was also posted on social media and garnered more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed the pleasure of portraying her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical about her looks.

The negative remarks triggered widespread defence for the actor, such as a viral video from a social media user which stated: "People criticize women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she is stunning."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she looks her age - which is simply the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived on air recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "mold" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she stated she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and look "vibrant".

"Growing older is a privilege and provided we do it gracefully, this is what really matters," she stated further.

She argued that men were not subject to equivalent appearance ideals, adding "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they simply look 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted this was a key factor she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, to "show that midlife women are still here" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "irrelevant", adding she ought to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses without her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol proved no woman was "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" suggesting they are insufficient or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether males encounter identical criticism, she said "no, never", noting women were criticized merely for having the "nerve" to live on social media while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", Hughes said women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, others claim you should do more; when you have procedures, you are criticized for trying too hard," she concluded.