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Females are uniting behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism online about her appearance at a recent industry function.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles recently where an online segment about her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of comments concerning her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", stating that "men don't have this expiration date imposed on women".

"Men are free from such a timeline which women face," said Ms White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, females are unfairly judged growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, also shared to social media and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about the pleasure of exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

However a significant number of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were negative about her looks.

This criticism sparked significant support of Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video online which stated: "There is criticism for women for having treatments and criticize them for not having enough."

Online users came to her defence, one stating: "This is ageing naturally and she is stunning."

Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", with another adding that "she appears her age - that is the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended on air recently makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

As with others of her years, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "better" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and provided we do it as well as possible, that's what truly counts," she continued.

She contended that men aren't held to identical appearance ideals, adding "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities are - they just appear 'fantastic'."

She explained it was a key factor behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age are still here" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "irrelevant", adding she should be able to look in any way she chooses absent her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the social media vitriol showed that no female is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" suggesting they are insufficient or young enough - an issue that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", adding females are criticized simply for showing "audacity" to exist on social media as they age.

A Double Bind

Despite the wellness sector promoting "longevity", she commented females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you should do more; if you get work done, people say you failing to age well," she remarked further.