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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered criticism across platforms about her looks during a red carpet function.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Hollywood recently where a TikTok interview discussing her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated by discussion about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", noting that "men aren't given this expiration date that women do".

"Men don't have such a timeline imposed on women," stated Laura White.

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

Online Reaction

In the video, also shared to Facebook and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, originally from Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

Yet a significant number of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were critical regarding her appearance.

This criticism triggered significant support of the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for females if they undergo treatments and attack them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "This is aging naturally and she appears beautiful."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - that is reality."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended for her interview recently without any makeup to make a statement and to highlight there was no set "template" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but so she feels "well" and look "healthy".

"Growing older is an honour and if we can do it the best we can, that's what truly counts," she added.

Ms White stated that men were not subject to equivalent appearance ideals, stating "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only appear 'wonderful'."

She explained it was a key factor for entering the pageant's division for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

The author, an author and presenter from Wales, stated that although the actor is "stunning" it was "irrelevant", noting she should be at liberty to appear as she wishes without her years being scrutinised.

She stated the social media vitriol demonstrated that no female is "immune" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are not good enough or young enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men face the same scrutiny, she said "no, never", adding females are attacked merely for having the "audacity" to exist on the internet while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the beauty industry promoting "longevity", she commented females are still judged regardless of if they grow older naturally or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older naturally, people say you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.