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There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by disparaging remarks online over her appearance at a recent industry appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Los Angeles recently where an online segment discussing her part in the new series of Wednesday became dominated because of comments focusing on her looks.

Voices of Support

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "men don't have this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape such a timeline that women do," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, said unlike men, females are criticized as they age and the actor deserves to be free to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, also shared to social media and attracted millions of views, the actor, originally from Wales, discussed the pleasure of exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a large portion of the online responses centered on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which declared: "You bully women for having too much work done and attack them for not having enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "It's called aging naturally and she is beautiful."

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

A Statement Arrival

She appeared at the studio recently with a bare face to "prove a point" and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "mold" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females in her demographic, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and look "in good health".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can age as well as possible, this is what is important," she continued.

She argued that men aren't subject to equivalent beauty standards, noting "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just look 'great'."

She said that became one of the reasons for entering the pageant's division the classic category, to prove that women in midlife continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" it was "irrelevant", stating further she should be free to appear in any way she chooses without her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - an issue that is "maddening, irrespective of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men experience identical criticism, she responded "no, never", explaining women were criticized just for showing "audacity" to live on social media as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or injections.

"If you age without intervention, others claim more could be done; if you undergo work done, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.