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There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her appearance at a recent high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Los Angeles last month during which a TikTok interview discussing her character in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed because of remarks concerning her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, described the online criticism "absolute rubbish", adding that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," argued Ms White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, females are unfairly judged growing older and the actor deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, also shared to social media and garnered millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However a large portion of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked significant support for the actor, including a popular post from one Facebook user which declared: "You bully women if they undergo treatments and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

Online users spoke up for her, as one put it: "This is aging naturally and she appears stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - which is simply reality."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived at the studio recently with a bare face to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

Like many women of her years, she said she "looks after herself" not to look younger but so she feels "improved" and appear "healthy".

"Growing older is a gift and if we can live the best we can, that's what really matters," she stated further.

She argued that men aren't subject to identical beauty standards, adding "people don't ask the age of famous men are - they just appear 'wonderful'."

She explained it was part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, said that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" it was "irrelevant", adding she deserves to be able to appear however she liked free from her years being scrutinised.

She said the digital criticism showed not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" which says they are insufficient or youthful enough - an issue that is "maddening, irrespective of the person involved".

When asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", noting women were criticized simply for showing "audacity" to live on social media while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the wellness sector advocating for "age-defiance", she commented women were still criticised if they age naturally or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or injections.

"If you age gracefully, others claim you should do more; if you get procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she remarked further.