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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by scrutiny online regarding her looks during a red carpet event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles last month where a TikTok interview discussing her role in the latest Wednesday became dominated due to discussion concerning her age.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, described the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "men aren't given this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do," said Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and she ought to be free to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

In the video, which was also posted on social media and had millions of views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

But a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical regarding her looks.

The negative remarks sparked a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from a social media user which declared: "People criticize women when they get too much work done and criticize them for not having enough."

Others also spoke up for her, with one writing: "It's called growing older naturally and she is stunning."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called life."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared for her interview recently makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" of how a female in midlife should look like.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but so she feels "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can live the best we can, this is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that males are not judged by equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, stating "people don't ask the age of certain male celebrities are - they simply look 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted that became one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, to prove that women in midlife continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that while the actor is "beautiful" it was "not the point", adding she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses without her years facing scrutiny.

She said the digital criticism proved that no female is "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if males encounter identical criticism, she said "not at all", noting women were criticized just for having the "boldness" to live on social media while growing older.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged gracefully or chose interventions including plastic surgery or fillers.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state you ought to try harder; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.