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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism on social media about her looks at a recent industry event.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles recently where a TikTok interview featuring her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of discussion about her looks.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, called the negative reaction "utter foolishness", noting that "men aren't given this expiration date imposed on women".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face," said Ms White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, women were unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

In the video, which was also posted on social media and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed delving into her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were disparaging towards her looks.

This criticism sparked significant support of the actor, such as a popular post online which declared: "There is criticism for females when they get treatments and attack them for not having enough work."

Others also spoke up for her, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she appears beautiful."

Others described her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", with another adding that "she appears her age - which is simply reality."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "mold" of how a woman in midlife should look like.

Similar to numerous females her age, she said she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but so she feels "improved" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can live the best we can, this is what truly counts," she added.

She argued that men were not subject to equivalent beauty standards, adding "people don't ask the age of famous men might be - they just are described as 'great'."

She said it was part of the motivation for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that midlife women are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "not the point", noting she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses absent her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the digital criticism demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the person involved".

When asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "absolutely not", adding females are criticized just for demonstrating the "nerve" to live on the internet while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Despite cosmetic companies emphasizing "longevity", she commented females are still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or chose interventions like cosmetic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older gracefully, people say more could be done; if you get work done, people say you failing to age well," she remarked further.