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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism online over her looks following a high-profile event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles recently during which an online segment discussing her role in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed because of comments concerning her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "utter foolishness", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged as they age and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, uploaded to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in exploring her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However a large portion of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were critical towards her appearance.

The online backlash triggered a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, including a popular post from a social media user which declared: "People criticize women for having treatments and bully them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she appears beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she looks her age - which is simply reality."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to show there was no set "blueprint" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but to feel "better" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is a privilege and if we can do it as well as possible, that's what truly counts," she stated further.

Ms White stated that males are not held to equivalent beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only are described as 'great'."

Ms White noted that became a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "beside the point", adding she ought to be able to look however she liked free from her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the online abuse proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" suggesting they are not good enough or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

Asked if men face identical criticism, she answered "no, never", adding women were targeted just for showing "boldness" to be present on the internet as they age.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector advocating for "longevity", the author stated women were still criticised whether they aged without intervention or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or injections.

"If you age naturally, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you undergo treatments, you are criticized for trying too hard," she remarked further.