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There is a groundswell of support for Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny online over her looks at a recent high-profile appearance.

She appeared at a promotional function in Hollywood last month during which a TikTok interview featuring her part in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed by comments focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "men aren't given this expiration date that women do".

"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," argued Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, women were criticized as they age and Zeta-Jones should be free to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

Yet many of the online responses focused on her years and were disparaging about her looks.

The negative remarks triggered widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from a social media user which stated: "People criticize women for having treatments and criticize them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "She is growing older naturally and she looks stunning."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply life."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared for her interview recently makeup-free to "prove a point" and to highlight the absence of a "mold" for what a woman in midlife ought to appear.

As with others of her years, she said she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but to feel "better" and be "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a privilege and if we can live the best we can, that's what really matters," she added.

She argued that males are not judged by identical beauty standards, stating "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply look 'wonderful'."

She explained it was one of the reasons behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to "show that females of a certain age are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "beside the point", adding she deserves to be at liberty to appear as she wishes without her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or young enough - a situation that is "galling, regardless of the individual targeted".

Asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she responded "absolutely not", explaining women were targeted simply for demonstrating the "boldness" to be present on the internet while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of cosmetic companies advocating for "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised whether they aged gracefully or chose interventions including surgical procedures or injections.

"When a woman ages without intervention, commenters state you should do more; if you get treatments, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.