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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks across platforms regarding her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood last month where a TikTok interview discussing her part in the new series of Wednesday was overshadowed by remarks about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", stating that "men aren't given this expiration date which women face".

"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and she ought to be able to look in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Wales, talked about her enjoyment in exploring her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were negative regarding her appearance.

The online backlash sparked significant support for Zeta-Jones, featuring a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully females for having too much work done and bully them for not having enough."

Online users rallied in support, one stating: "She is aging naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" for what a woman in midlife is supposed to look.

Like many women her age, she said she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but to feel "better" and appear "healthy".

"Growing older is a gift and provided we do it the best we can, that is what truly counts," she added.

Ms White stated that men aren't held to identical aesthetic benchmarks, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of famous men are - they only appear 'wonderful'."

She said that became part of the motivation for entering the pageant's division the classic category, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, a journalist from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be at liberty to look however she liked absent her age facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the digital criticism proved no woman was "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are lacking or of the right age - a problem that is "galling, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", noting females are criticized just for having the "boldness" to be present on the internet while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the wellness sector promoting "longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised whether they aged naturally or underwent treatments such as surgical procedures or injections.

"When a woman ages gracefully, people say you should do more; if you get treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she remarked further.