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Women are rallying for Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she faced criticism across platforms about her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood recently during which an online segment discussing her part in the latest Wednesday was overshadowed because of discussion about her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "complete nonsense", noting that "men aren't given this expiration date imposed on women".

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

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, females are criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be free to look as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, the actor, originally from Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

Yet a significant number of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her age and were disparaging towards her appearance.

This criticism sparked widespread defence for the actor, including a popular post from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for women when they get treatments and attack them if they avoid enough."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "She is aging naturally and she is beautiful."

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

Making a Point

The winner attended on air recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women of her years, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but in order to feel "well" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is an honour and if we can live gracefully, this is what is important," she stated further.

She argued that men were not held to identical beauty standards, stating "people don't ask how old famous men are - they only appear 'great'."

She said this was a key factor behind her participation in the pageant's division for over-45s, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, stated that while the actor is "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", stating further she ought to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses free from her age facing scrutiny.

She said the online abuse showed that no female is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she responded "not at all", noting women were criticized merely for having the "boldness" to live on the internet as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite cosmetic companies emphasizing "youthful longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised whether they aged naturally or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim more could be done; if you undergo procedures, you're accused of failing to age well," she remarked further.