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There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced criticism online over her appearance at a recent red carpet function.

She appeared at an industry gathering in Hollywood recently during which a TikTok interview featuring her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of remarks about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," argued Laura White.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, women were unfairly judged for ageing and she ought to be free to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and garnered more than 2.5m views, the actor, hailing from Wales, discussed her enjoyment in exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were critical towards her appearance.

This criticism ignited widespread defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video online which said: "There is criticism for women when they get treatments and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "This is growing older naturally and she looks beautiful."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is reality."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended on air earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to show there was no set "template" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

As with others of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "improved" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can age the best we can, this is what truly counts," she stated further.

Ms White stated that males are not judged by identical beauty standards, stating "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities are - they just look 'wonderful'."

She said that became part of the motivation behind her participation in the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age are still here" and "possess it".

The Core Issue

The author, an author and presenter from Wales, said that while Zeta-Jones was "stunning" that is "beside the point", noting she deserves to be free to appear as she wishes absent her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol proved that no female is "protected" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of who the victim is".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she answered "absolutely not", explaining women were targeted just for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on social media while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Even with the beauty industry advocating for "youthful longevity", she commented women were still judged regardless of if they grow older without intervention or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or injections.

"If you age without intervention, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo treatments, you're accused of failing to age well," she added.