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Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny online about her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles last month during which a TikTok interview discussing her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed due to comments concerning her appearance.

Voices of Support

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", adding that "men aren't given such a timeline that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date that women do," said Ms White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are criticized as they age and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, also shared to Facebook and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, discussed the pleasure of delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However many of the online responses zeroed in on her age and were critical towards her looks.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, including a popular post from a social media user which declared: "You bully females for having cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have enough work."

Commenters also spoke up for her, with one writing: "It's called ageing naturally and she appears stunning."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "well" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is an honour and if we can live as well as possible, this is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that men were not subject to the same beauty standards, adding "people don't ask the age of famous men might be - they only look 'great'."

She said this was a key factor behind her participation in the competition for over-45s, to "show that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "beside the point", noting she deserves to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses without 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 "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or young enough - an issue that is "infuriating, regardless of the person involved".

Asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she said "absolutely not", adding women were criticized merely for showing "nerve" to be present on social media as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the wellness sector promoting "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised if they age without intervention or chose interventions such as cosmetic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo procedures, people say you trying too hard," she added.