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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced criticism on social media over her appearance at a recent high-profile event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Los Angeles recently where a social media clip discussing her role in the new series of Wednesday became dominated because of remarks focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the backlash "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Males escape such a timeline that women do," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be free to appear however she liked.

Online Reaction

During the interview, uploaded to social media and had over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about the pleasure of portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a large portion of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were negative towards her appearance.

The online backlash ignited a broad defence of the actor, featuring a popular post from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for women if they undergo cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having sufficient procedures."

Others also came to her defence, as one put it: "This is ageing naturally and she appears stunning."

Others described her as "stunning" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she looks her age - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman in midlife ought to appear.

Like many women in her demographic, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but so she feels "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and provided we live the best we can, that's what truly counts," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not judged by equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, stating "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'fantastic'."

She said that became a key factor behind her participation in the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "beside the point", adding she should be at liberty to look in any way she chooses absent her age being scrutinised.

She said the social media vitriol proved not a single woman is "immune" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or of the right age - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if males encounter identical criticism, she answered "absolutely not", noting females are criticized just for having the "audacity" to exist on social media while aging.

An Impossible Standard

Even with the wellness sector advocating for "longevity", she commented females are still criticised whether they aged without intervention or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, people say you should do more; when you have treatments, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.