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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her looks during a red carpet appearance.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Los Angeles on 9 November where a social media clip featuring her character in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape such a timeline which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do," said the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, also shared to Facebook and had millions of views, the actor, who is from Wales, spoke of how much she enjoyed exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were negative about her looks.

The negative remarks triggered significant support of the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip online which declared: "You bully women when they get too much work done and criticize them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Commenters also came to her defence, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she looks beautiful."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply reality."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived for her interview recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to show there was no set "mold" for what a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "improved" and look "in good health".

"Getting older represents a gift and if we can live as well as possible, that is what is important," she stated further.

She contended that men aren't held to the same beauty standards, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just look 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted this was a key factor for entering the pageant's division the classic category, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "irrelevant", adding she should be at liberty to appear as she wishes free from her age coming under examination.

She said the social media vitriol proved no woman was "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" that they are lacking or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, regardless of the person involved".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she responded "absolutely not", adding women were targeted just for having the "boldness" to exist on social media while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Despite cosmetic companies promoting "longevity", she commented women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or underwent treatments including surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages without intervention, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you undergo treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.