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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she faced criticism across platforms regarding her looks during a red carpet event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Los Angeles recently during which a social media clip discussing her character in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to comments about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the online criticism "utter foolishness", adding that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," argued the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, females are criticized growing older and the actor deserves to be free to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

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

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

The negative remarks ignited significant support of the actor, such as a widely-shared clip online which said: "People criticize females when they get treatments and attack them if they avoid enough work."

Others also came to her defence, with one writing: "It's called ageing naturally and she appears stunning."

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

Making a Point

Ms White arrived for her interview recently with a bare face to "prove a point" and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" of how a woman of a certain age should look like.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "improved" and look "healthy".

"Growing older is a privilege and when we do it gracefully, that's what truly counts," she stated further.

Ms White stated that males are not subject to identical beauty standards, stating "people don't ask how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they just appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted this was one of the reasons behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, stated that while the actor is "beautiful" that is "not the point", stating further she should be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses without her years being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the online abuse proved not a single woman is "protected" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", adding females are targeted merely for demonstrating the "audacity" to live online as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Despite cosmetic companies promoting "age-defiance", the author stated females are still criticised whether they aged gracefully or underwent treatments including plastic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim you should do more; if you get procedures, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.