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Females are uniting in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by scrutiny across platforms regarding her looks following a industry function.

She appeared at a Netflix event in LA last month where an online segment discussing her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed due to discussion concerning her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "complete nonsense", noting that "men don't have this expiration date which women face".

"Men are free from such a timeline imposed on women," stated the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, women were unfairly judged growing older and the actor deserves to be free to look however she liked.

Online Reaction

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Wales, spoke of the pleasure of exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the online responses focused on her years and were negative about her looks.

The online backlash sparked significant support of Zeta-Jones, including a viral video online which stated: "People criticize females when they get too much work done and criticize them for not having enough work."

Others also came to her defence, as one put it: "This is ageing naturally and she appears gorgeous."

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

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended at the studio earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but so she feels "improved" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and provided we age the best we can, this is what truly counts," she added.

She contended that men aren't held to equivalent appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities are - they simply appear 'wonderful'."

She explained this was a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that midlife women continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" it was "irrelevant", adding she should be at liberty to look as she wishes free from her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" that they are not good enough or of the right age - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "not at all", adding women were criticized simply for demonstrating the "nerve" to live on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Even with the wellness sector promoting "longevity", she commented women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or underwent treatments including plastic surgery or fillers.

"If you age naturally, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for trying too hard," she concluded.