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Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny across platforms about her looks at a recent industry event.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment featuring her role in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed due to comments about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, called the negative reaction "utter foolishness", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date that women do," argued the pageant winner.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, women were criticized for ageing and she ought to be free to look in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

During the interview, also shared to social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Wales, spoke of her enjoyment in delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

Yet a significant number of the hundreds of comments focused on her years and were critical towards her looks.

The online backlash sparked widespread defence of the actor, including a popular post from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for females for having too much work done and attack them for not having enough work."

Others also spoke up for her, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she is gorgeous."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that is reality."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" for what a female in midlife should look like.

As with others of her years, she stated she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "better" and appear "vibrant".

"Ageing is a privilege and provided we age the best we can, that's what really matters," she stated further.

She contended that men were not held to identical appearance ideals, noting "people don't ask the age of famous men might be - they only look 'great'."

Ms White noted that became part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "not the point", noting she deserves to be able to look as she wishes free from her age being scrutinised.

She stated the online abuse proved not a single woman is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" which says they are not good enough or of the right age - a problem that is "infuriating, irrespective of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", adding women were attacked simply for showing "boldness" to be present on the internet while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "youthful longevity", she commented females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or chose interventions including surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older naturally, people say more could be done; when you have procedures, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.