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Women are rallying for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered scrutiny online regarding her appearance at a recent industry function.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Los Angeles last month where an online segment discussing her character in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of remarks concerning her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "men don't have such a timeline imposed on women".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," stated the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, females are criticized for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on social media and garnered more than 2.5m views, the actor, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed her enjoyment in portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However many of the online responses focused on her age and were disparaging regarding her looks.

The online backlash sparked significant support for Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for women if they undergo treatments and attack them when they don't have enough."

Online users spoke up for her, with one writing: "She is growing older naturally and she looks gorgeous."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she looks her age - that's called life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air recently with a bare face to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" for what a female of a certain age should look like.

As with others of her years, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "improved" and appear "in good health".

"Growing older is a privilege and provided we do it as well as possible, that is what is important," she added.

She contended that men aren't held to the same appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply are described as 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted it was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "not the point", noting she ought to be free to look as she wishes without her age coming under examination.

She stated the online abuse proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" that they are not good enough or young enough - an issue that is "galling, irrespective of the person involved".

Asked if males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", explaining females are attacked merely for showing "nerve" to exist online while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Even with the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", the author stated females are still criticised whether they aged naturally or opted for procedures such as surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state more could be done; if you get treatments, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.