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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered criticism online about her appearance following a industry function.

She appeared at an industry gathering in Hollywood on 9 November during which a TikTok interview featuring her part in the latest Wednesday became dominated because of comments concerning her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, described the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

"Men don't have such a timeline that women do," said the pageant winner.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and she ought to be able to look as she wishes.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of portraying her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

But many of the numerous remarks centered on her years and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

This criticism ignited widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, including a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women for having treatments and bully them when they don't have enough."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "This is ageing naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she appears her age - which is simply life."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview recently with a bare face as a demonstration and to show the absence of a "blueprint" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.

Like many women in her demographic, she said she "looks after herself" not to look younger but so she feels "well" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and provided we do it the best we can, this is what truly counts," she added.

She contended that males are not held to identical beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men might be - they only are described as 'great'."

She said this was one of the reasons behind her participation in the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that although the actor is "gorgeous" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be free to look however she liked free from her age facing scrutiny.

She said the digital criticism proved no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" which says they are not good enough or youthful enough - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she answered "absolutely not", explaining females are targeted just for having the "nerve" to exist on the internet while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of cosmetic companies emphasizing "longevity", the author stated women were still face criticism whether they aged naturally or chose interventions including plastic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim you ought to try harder; when you have treatments, you are criticized for trying too hard," she added.