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Females are uniting in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism on social media regarding her appearance at a recent high-profile function.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles on 9 November during which an online segment discussing her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of discussion concerning her age.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "utter foolishness", noting that "men aren't given such a timeline that women do".

"Men don't have such a timeline which women face," said the pageant winner.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, women were criticized as they age and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, also shared to Facebook and had millions of views, the actor, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about the pleasure of exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However a large portion of the numerous remarks focused on her age and were disparaging towards her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited widespread defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which declared: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them for not having enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she appears beautiful."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she looks her age - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared on air recently without any makeup to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "better" and appear "in good health".

"Growing older is a privilege and when we do it gracefully, that is what really matters," she added.

She argued that men were not judged by identical aesthetic benchmarks, stating "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only appear 'wonderful'."

She explained it was part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that women in midlife remain relevant" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "not the point", adding she deserves to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses absent her years being scrutinised.

She said the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "exempt" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "infuriating, no matter who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men face identical criticism, she responded "not at all", adding women were attacked merely for having the "nerve" to live on social media while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", she commented females are still face criticism whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo treatments, people say you trying too hard," she added.