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Females are uniting behind Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she encountered criticism across platforms about her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood recently during which an online segment about her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the online criticism "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have such a timeline that women do".

"Men don't have this expiration date imposed on women," said Laura White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, said differently from men, women were unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be free to look however she liked.

Online Reaction

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and attracted millions of views, the actor, who is from Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in exploring her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

Yet many of the online responses centered on her years and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

The online backlash triggered a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip online which said: "People criticize females for having cosmetic procedures and criticize them if they avoid enough work."

Online users rallied in support, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she is beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "she looks her age - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended at the studio recently without any makeup as a demonstration and to show that there is no fixed "template" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

As with others her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but to feel "improved" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is a privilege and when we do it the best we can, that's what truly counts," she continued.

She contended that males are not judged by equivalent appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply appear 'fantastic'."

She explained that became one of the reasons she entered the pageant's division the classic category, to "show that midlife women remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that while the actor is "gorgeous" it was "beside the point", adding she should be free to look in any way she chooses free from her years facing scrutiny.

She said the online abuse proved not a single woman is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "infuriating, regardless of the person involved".

Asked if males encounter identical criticism, she responded "not at all", noting women were targeted just for showing "nerve" to be present on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", she commented women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older without intervention or chose interventions like plastic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you get treatments, people say you failing to age well," she concluded.