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Females are uniting in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism online over her looks at a recent industry event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood recently where a social media clip featuring her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of discussion focusing on her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "absolute rubbish", adding that "males escape this expiration date that women do".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face," argued Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Swansea, discussed the pleasure of exploring her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

However a significant number of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The online backlash triggered widespread defence for the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "You bully women when they get too much work done and criticize them for not having enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "She is ageing naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Others described her as "stunning" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

She appeared at the studio recently without any makeup to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "template" of how a female in midlife ought to appear.

Like many women of her years, she said she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but so she feels "well" and appear "vibrant".

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

Ms White stated that men aren't subject to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, noting "nobody scrutinizes how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just look 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted it was a key factor behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that although the actor is "gorgeous" it was "not the point", stating further she should be at liberty to appear as she wishes free from her years facing scrutiny.

She said the digital criticism showed no woman was "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, no matter who the victim is".

When asked if men face identical criticism, she responded "absolutely not", explaining females are targeted merely for demonstrating the "boldness" to exist on social media as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "youthful longevity", she commented females are still criticised whether they aged without intervention or underwent treatments like plastic surgery or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, people say you ought to try harder; when you have treatments, you're accused of trying too hard," she remarked further.