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Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor 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 LA last month during which a TikTok interview featuring her role in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated by remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, described the backlash "utter foolishness", adding that "men aren't given this expiration date which women face".

"Men don't have such a timeline which women face," stated the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, women were criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

In the video, uploaded to social media and garnered millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, talked about the pleasure of delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

But a significant number of the online responses centered on her years and were critical towards her appearance.

The online backlash ignited significant support for the actor, such as a popular post from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for women for having too much work done and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Commenters also came to her defence, with one writing: "She is ageing naturally and she is stunning."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she looks her age - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived for her interview recently with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "blueprint" for what a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

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

"Growing older is a gift and provided we age gracefully, this is what really matters," she added.

She contended that men were not held to the same beauty standards, adding "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they just look 'fantastic'."

She explained it was a key factor behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "possess it".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, stated that although the actor is "gorgeous" this is "irrelevant", noting she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses absent her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol showed no woman was "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" that they are not good enough or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "not at all", adding females are attacked just for showing "nerve" to exist online while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "age-defiance", she commented females are still judged whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments such as cosmetic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state you should do more; when you have treatments, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.