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Females are uniting for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks across platforms over her looks during a red carpet function.

She appeared at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment discussing her part in season two of Wednesday became dominated by comments focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, described the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "males escape such a timeline which women face".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," said Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said unlike men, women were unfairly judged as they age and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

During the interview, uploaded to social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, spoke of how much she enjoyed portraying her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But many of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were negative towards her appearance.

The online backlash ignited widespread defence for Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having enough work."

Others also spoke up for her, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Others described her as "stunning" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she looks her age - that's called the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived at the studio recently with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "blueprint" for what a woman in her 50s should look like.

Like many women her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but to feel "improved" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can live as well as possible, that's what is important," she added.

She contended that males are not held to identical appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted that became a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife are still here" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, said that while the actor is "beautiful" it was "not the point", stating further she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses absent her age being scrutinised.

She said the online abuse proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or of the right age - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if males encounter identical criticism, she answered "absolutely not", adding females are attacked simply for having the "boldness" to be present on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the wellness sector promoting "age-defiance", she commented females are still face criticism whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you get work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.