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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism across platforms regarding her looks following a high-profile event.

She appeared at a Netflix event in Los Angeles recently during which a social media clip discussing her part in the new series of Wednesday became dominated because of comments about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the online criticism "absolute rubbish", stating that "males escape such a timeline that women do".

"Men don't have this expiration date imposed on women," said Laura White.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, said in contrast to men, females are unfairly judged as they age and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, the actor, hailing from Wales, spoke of the pleasure of portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the online responses zeroed in on her age and were critical about her looks.

This criticism sparked widespread defence of the actor, such as a viral video online which stated: "There is criticism for women when they get cosmetic procedures and attack them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Others also rallied in support, as one put it: "This is growing older naturally and she looks beautiful."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended at the studio recently with a bare face to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "blueprint" of how a female in her 50s is supposed to look.

As with others of her years, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but to feel "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a gift and provided we do it the best we can, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She argued that men were not subject to identical appearance ideals, adding "people don't ask the age of certain male celebrities might be - they only look 'fantastic'."

She explained that became part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age are still here" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "beside the point", stating further she should be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses free from her years coming under examination.

She said the digital criticism showed not a single woman is "protected" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - a problem that is "galling, no matter who the victim is".

Asked if men face identical criticism, she responded "absolutely not", adding females are targeted simply for demonstrating the "audacity" to exist on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older without intervention or chose interventions including plastic surgery or injectables.

"Should you grow older without intervention, others claim more could be done; when you have work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.