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Females are uniting in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny on social media regarding her looks following a high-profile function.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood last month where an online segment featuring her role in the latest Wednesday was eclipsed due to remarks about her looks.

Voices of Support

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "utter foolishness", adding that "males escape such a timeline that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," said the pageant winner.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, women were criticized for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, uploaded to social media and garnered more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet many of the hundreds of comments focused on her years and were disparaging about her appearance.

This criticism ignited a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, including a popular post online which said: "You bully women for having too much work done and criticize them if they avoid enough work."

Online users spoke up for her, one stating: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks stunning."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to show that there is no fixed "blueprint" of how a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women of her years, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "well" and look "vibrant".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we live the best we can, that is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that men aren't judged by the same beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities might be - they just are described as 'wonderful'."

She said that became part of the motivation for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age are still here" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "not the point", stating further she deserves to be able to look as she wishes without her years coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are insufficient or young enough - a situation that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men face identical criticism, she responded "absolutely not", explaining women were attacked just for having the "audacity" to live on the internet as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Even with cosmetic companies advocating for "longevity", the author stated women were still criticised if they age naturally or underwent treatments including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages without intervention, others claim you ought to try harder; when you have work done, you're accused of trying too hard," she remarked further.