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There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny online over her looks following a high-profile function.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in LA last month during which an online segment about her character in season two of Wednesday was eclipsed due to comments about her age.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, described the online criticism "complete nonsense", noting that "men aren't given such a timeline which women face".

"Males escape this expiration date which women face," argued Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and she ought to be able to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

However a significant number of the online responses focused on her age and were negative about her appearance.

The online backlash triggered widespread defence of the actor, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for women for having treatments and bully them for not having enough work."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "This is growing older naturally and she is stunning."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - that is reality."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived on air earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" for what a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and look "in good health".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can live the best we can, that is what truly counts," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not judged by the same beauty standards, adding "no-one questions how old famous men might be - they only are described as 'great'."

Ms White noted it was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, stated that while the actor is "stunning" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses free from her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the digital criticism proved not a single woman is "protected" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men face identical criticism, she responded "not at all", adding females are targeted simply for having the "audacity" to be present on the internet while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "longevity", Hughes said women were still face criticism if they age gracefully or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or injectables.

"Should you grow older gracefully, others claim you should do more; when you have procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.