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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered scrutiny on social media about her appearance following a red carpet event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in LA on 9 November where an online segment discussing her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion about her age.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", adding that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date which women face," argued Laura White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to look however she liked.

Online Reaction

In the video, uploaded to social media and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

Yet a large portion of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were critical regarding her looks.

The online backlash ignited a broad defence for the actor, including a popular post online which declared: "People criticize females for having treatments and criticize them if they avoid enough work."

Others also came to her defence, as one put it: "She is growing older naturally and she is beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently with a bare face to "prove a point" and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "template" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and when we do it gracefully, that's what really matters," she stated further.

Ms White stated that men aren't held to the same beauty standards, noting "nobody scrutinizes the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they only look 'fantastic'."

She explained this was a key factor behind her participation in the competition for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife continue to exist" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that while the actor is "gorgeous" that is "not the point", stating further she deserves to be at liberty to look as she wishes absent her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol showed not a single woman is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether males encounter equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", noting women were attacked just for demonstrating the "audacity" to be present on the internet as they age.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", the author stated women were still judged if they age gracefully or chose interventions like plastic surgery or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state you ought to try harder; when you have procedures, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.