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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism on social media regarding her appearance following a red carpet event.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Los Angeles last month during which an online segment featuring her role in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed due to discussion concerning her looks.

Voices of Support

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the backlash "complete nonsense", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do," argued Ms White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged as they age and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear however she liked.

Digital Backlash

In the video, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

Yet a significant number of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were disparaging regarding her looks.

This criticism triggered a broad defence for the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "People criticize females for having cosmetic procedures and criticize them when they don't have enough."

Others also spoke up for her, as one put it: "It's called growing older naturally and she is beautiful."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she looks her age - which is simply life."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared for her interview recently with a bare face to "prove a point" and to highlight the absence of a "blueprint" for what a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women her age, she said she "looks after herself" not to look younger but so she feels "improved" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and when we age the best we can, this is what truly counts," she continued.

She argued that men aren't judged by equivalent appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply look 'great'."

She explained this was one of the reasons she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "beside the point", stating further she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses free from her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol proved no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the person involved".

When asked if men face identical criticism, she answered "no, never", adding women were attacked merely for showing "nerve" to live online as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the wellness sector promoting "longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older naturally or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo work done, people say you failing to age well," she concluded.