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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks on social media regarding her appearance at a recent industry appearance.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles last month where an online segment featuring her character in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed due to comments concerning her age.

Widespread Backing

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

"Men are free from this expiration date that women do," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, women were unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and had millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, talked about how much she enjoyed delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

Yet many of the online responses centered on her age and were negative regarding her appearance.

This criticism ignited significant support of Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully females when they get treatments and attack them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, as one put it: "She is ageing naturally and she looks beautiful."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she appears her age - that is the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared on air earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to show the absence of a "blueprint" for what a woman in her 50s should look like.

Like many women her age, she stated she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "well" and be "in good health".

"Ageing is a privilege and if we can live the best we can, this is what is important," she stated further.

She contended that men were not subject to equivalent appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only appear 'great'."

Ms White noted this was part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division for over-45s, to "show that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a journalist from Wales, said that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be able to look as she wishes free from her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol showed not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" that they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

When asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she said "not at all", adding females are criticized merely for having the "boldness" to be present online as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "youthful longevity", she commented females are still face criticism if they age without intervention or chose interventions such as cosmetic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages without intervention, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo treatments, you are criticized for trying too hard," she added.