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Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by scrutiny across platforms regarding her looks at a recent high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in LA last month where a TikTok interview discussing her character in season two of Wednesday became dominated due to remarks about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", adding that "men don't have such a timeline imposed on women".

"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," stated Ms White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged growing older and she ought to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and had millions of views, the actor, originally from Wales, talked about the pleasure of exploring her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

Yet a large portion of the online responses centered on her years and were negative towards her appearance.

The negative remarks triggered significant support of the actor, featuring a viral video online which stated: "You bully females when they get cosmetic procedures and bully them if they avoid enough work."

Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "This is growing older naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to show there was no set "mold" of how a woman in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but to feel "well" and be "healthy".

"Getting older represents an honour and when we live the best we can, that's what truly counts," she stated further.

She contended that men aren't judged by equivalent appearance ideals, adding "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only are described as 'fantastic'."

She said that became a key factor she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, commented that while the actor is "stunning" it was "not the point", noting she ought to be able to appear as she wishes absent her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the digital criticism showed no woman was "immune" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of the person involved".

When asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", noting females are targeted simply for demonstrating the "audacity" to live on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of cosmetic companies emphasizing "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still judged regardless of if they grow older without intervention or chose interventions including cosmetic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you get treatments, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.