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Females are uniting in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she faced disparaging remarks online regarding her looks at a recent high-profile event.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Los Angeles last month where a TikTok interview about her role in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of remarks focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "utter foolishness", adding that "men aren't given this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date imposed on women," said Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, females are criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be free to look in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

In the video, also shared to social media and had millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, discussed the pleasure of exploring her part, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

However a large portion of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were critical about her appearance.

This criticism ignited a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "People criticize women when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid enough."

Commenters also came to her defence, with one writing: "This is growing older naturally and she appears stunning."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to highlight there was no set "template" for what a woman in midlife ought to appear.

Like many women her age, she stated she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "better" and be "in good health".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can do it as well as possible, that's what is important," she stated further.

She argued that men were not held to the same appearance ideals, noting "people don't ask how old certain male celebrities might be - they just look 'wonderful'."

She said that became a key factor for entering Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to prove that midlife women continue to exist" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, said that although the actor is "stunning" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be able to look however she liked without her years coming under examination.

Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated that no female is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the person involved".

Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "no, never", adding women were criticized just for having the "nerve" to exist on social media while growing older.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector advocating for "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised if they age gracefully or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state more could be done; when you have procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.