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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny across platforms regarding her looks at a recent red carpet function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood last month during which a social media clip featuring her part in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed because of comments focusing on her appearance.

Voices of Support

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "utter foolishness", adding that "males escape this expiration date that women do".

"Men are free from such a timeline which women face," argued the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated differently from men, females are unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and garnered millions of views, the actor, hailing from Wales, talked about her enjoyment in delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

Yet many of the online responses zeroed in on her years and were disparaging about her appearance.

The online backlash sparked a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, featuring a viral video online which stated: "You bully women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid enough work."

Online users rallied in support, one stating: "It's called aging naturally and she is beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", and one comment read that "she looks her age - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently without any makeup as a demonstration and to highlight the absence of a "template" of how a woman in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "improved" and look "vibrant".

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

She contended that men aren't subject to the same beauty standards, noting "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only appear 'fantastic'."

She said this was one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "not the point", noting she deserves to be able to appear however she liked without her years being scrutinised.

She stated the online abuse showed that no female is "protected" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - a situation that is "maddening, no matter the person involved".

Asked if men face identical criticism, she answered "absolutely not", explaining females are attacked simply for demonstrating the "audacity" to live on the internet as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the beauty industry advocating for "youthful longevity", she commented females are still judged if they age gracefully or underwent treatments like plastic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages gracefully, commenters state you should do more; when you have treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.