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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism online regarding her looks during a red carpet appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Los Angeles last month during which a TikTok interview featuring her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to remarks about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "men aren't given this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," said Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and she ought to be able to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, also shared to Facebook and attracted millions of views, the actor, originally from Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

Yet a large portion of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were disparaging regarding her looks.

The negative remarks triggered widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, including a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for women when they get cosmetic procedures and bully them for not having enough work."

Commenters also rallied in support, one stating: "She is growing older naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called reality."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "blueprint" for what a female in midlife should look like.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but so she feels "improved" and be "vibrant".

"Growing older is a privilege and if we can age gracefully, this is what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men aren't subject to identical appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply appear 'great'."

Ms White noted this was part of the motivation she entered the competition for women over 45, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" it was "irrelevant", noting she deserves to be free to appear however she liked absent her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the online abuse showed that no female is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

Asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she said "no, never", noting women were attacked merely for having the "boldness" to exist online while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said females are still face criticism if they age naturally or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, people say you ought to try harder; when you have work done, you are criticized for failing to age well," she remarked further.