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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks across platforms about her appearance during a industry function.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood recently where a social media clip featuring her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by remarks about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," argued the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, women were criticized as they age and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, also shared to social media and garnered millions of views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

Yet a large portion of the online responses centered on her years and were disparaging towards her looks.

The online backlash ignited a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip online which stated: "There is criticism for females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have enough."

Online users spoke up for her, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply reality."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived for her interview earlier without any makeup to "prove a point" and to highlight that there is no fixed "template" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

Like many women in her demographic, she said she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and provided we live the best we can, that's what truly counts," she added.

She argued that males are not held to the same aesthetic benchmarks, stating "people don't ask the age of certain male celebrities might be - they just are described as 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted that became a key factor for entering the competition for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" this is "beside the point", noting she deserves to be at liberty to appear however she liked free from her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol proved not a single woman is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", adding females are targeted simply for showing "nerve" to be present on the internet while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of cosmetic companies emphasizing "youthful longevity", she commented females are still judged regardless of if they grow older naturally or opted for procedures such as surgical procedures or injections.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you get work done, people say you failing to age well," she concluded.