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Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny on social media over her appearance following a industry appearance.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in LA recently during which a TikTok interview discussing her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of remarks about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", stating that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Males escape such a timeline which women face," stated Ms White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

During the interview, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But many of the online responses focused on her years and were negative towards her looks.

The negative remarks ignited widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from a social media user which stated: "People criticize women when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them for not having sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, as one put it: "It's called aging naturally and she appears beautiful."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called reality."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived on air recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to highlight the absence of a "template" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and look "in good health".

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

She argued that men aren't held to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, noting "people don't ask the age of famous men are - they just appear 'wonderful'."

She said it was a key factor for entering Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that although the actor is "beautiful" it was "not the point", adding she should be able to appear however she liked absent her years facing scrutiny.

She said the social media vitriol proved that no female is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the person involved".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she said "not at all", noting women were targeted simply for showing "boldness" to exist on the internet while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of cosmetic companies advocating for "longevity", the author stated females are still judged whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments including plastic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you should do more; if you get work done, people say you trying too hard," she remarked further.