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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by scrutiny online over her looks at a recent high-profile function.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Los Angeles on 9 November where an online segment about her part in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed by comments focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape such a timeline imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date that women do," argued Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, women were criticized as they age and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to look as she wishes.

Online Reaction

In the video, uploaded to social media and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

Yet many of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were critical regarding her looks.

This criticism ignited widespread defence of the actor, featuring a popular post online which declared: "You bully females for having cosmetic procedures and criticize them if they avoid enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, one stating: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that is life."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air earlier without any makeup to "prove a point" and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" for what a woman in midlife is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she stated she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "better" and be "in good health".

"Getting older represents a gift and provided we age gracefully, this is what is important," she continued.

She argued that men were not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply look 'wonderful'."

She explained it was a key factor behind her participation in the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "beside the point", noting she should be free to appear however she liked free from her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "immune" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she said "absolutely not", explaining women were attacked just for demonstrating the "nerve" to exist on social media as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Even with the wellness sector promoting "youthful longevity", she commented women were still judged if they age gracefully or opted for procedures such as plastic surgery or injectables.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim more could be done; if you undergo treatments, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.