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Females are uniting in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism on social media about her looks following a red carpet event.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles on 9 November where an online segment featuring her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to discussion concerning her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, called the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "men don't have this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape such a timeline which women face," stated the pageant winner.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, women were criticized as they age and she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

However a significant number of the online responses centered on her age and were disparaging about her looks.

This criticism sparked a broad defence of the actor, featuring a viral video from a social media user which declared: "There is criticism for women when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them for not having enough work."

Commenters also spoke up for her, one stating: "This is aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Others described her as "stunning" and "so pretty", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called life."

Challenging Perceptions

She appeared for her interview recently with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "template" for what a female in her 50s should look like.

As with others of her years, she stated she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and appear "healthy".

"Growing older is a gift and provided we do it the best we can, that's what is important," she stated further.

She contended that males are not held to equivalent appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities might be - they only are described as 'great'."

She explained this was one of the reasons for entering the pageant's division for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "beside the point", adding she ought to be free to look as she wishes free from her years coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "maddening, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men face equivalent judgment, she responded "no, never", adding women were criticized simply for having the "nerve" to be present online as they age.

A Double Bind

Despite the wellness sector advocating for "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still face criticism whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures like plastic surgery or injections.

"When a woman ages naturally, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo procedures, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.