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There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism online about her appearance during a red carpet event.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Los Angeles last month where a TikTok interview discussing her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed due to remarks about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, described the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," argued Ms White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and the actor deserves to be free to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

During the interview, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Wales, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But many of the online responses focused on her age and were disparaging about her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked widespread defence of the actor, such as a popular post from a social media user which stated: "You bully women for having too much work done and criticize them for not having enough."

Online users rallied in support, as one put it: "It's called ageing naturally and she is gorgeous."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended for her interview recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "mold" for what a woman of a certain age should look like.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but to feel "better" and be "healthy".

"Growing older is a gift and provided we live gracefully, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She contended that men were not held to the same appearance ideals, adding "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they just are described as 'wonderful'."

She said that became part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, an author and presenter from Wales, said that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "irrelevant", noting she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses free from her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse demonstrated no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men experience the same scrutiny, she answered "absolutely not", noting females are attacked merely for showing "nerve" to live on social media while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", the author stated females are still judged whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures such as plastic surgery or fillers.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo treatments, you're accused of failing to age well," she concluded.