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Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by disparaging remarks online over her looks following a industry function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood last month during which a social media clip featuring her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "utter foolishness", adding that "males escape this expiration date which women face".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, females are criticized for ageing and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and garnered millions of views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However a large portion of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

The online backlash triggered significant support for the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from a social media user which said: "You bully females if they undergo treatments and attack them if they avoid enough."

Online users spoke up for her, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she looks beautiful."

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

Making a Point

The winner attended at the studio earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to show that there is no fixed "template" of how a female in midlife should look like.

As with others of her years, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "improved" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and provided we live as well as possible, that's what really matters," she continued.

She argued that men were not held to the same appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask how old famous men might be - they only look 'fantastic'."

She said this was one of the reasons behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" it was "beside the point", noting she ought to be free to look as she wishes without her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the digital criticism showed that no female is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "ongoing theme" which says they are lacking or young enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of who the victim is".

Asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she responded "absolutely not", noting females are targeted just for showing "nerve" to be present on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry advocating for "longevity", the author stated females are still face criticism if they age naturally or chose interventions including surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim more could be done; when you have treatments, people say you trying too hard," she added.