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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she faced scrutiny online regarding her appearance following a industry appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Hollywood recently during which a TikTok interview about her character in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Men don't have this expiration date that women do," argued the pageant winner.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated differently from men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny as they age and she ought to be able to appear as she wishes.

Online Reaction

During the interview, uploaded to social media and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, talked about the pleasure of exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in the new episodes.

However many of the online responses focused on her age and were critical about her looks.

This criticism ignited a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, featuring a popular post online which declared: "People criticize women for having too much work done and criticize them for not having enough."

Others also came to her defence, with one writing: "It's called growing older naturally and she looks stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - that is reality."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived for her interview recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to highlight the absence of a "template" for what a female in midlife ought to appear.

As with others of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "improved" and look "healthy".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we live as well as possible, that is what truly counts," she added.

She contended that men aren't subject to equivalent appearance ideals, noting "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply look 'great'."

Ms White noted that became part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, said that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "beside the point", adding she deserves to be free to look in any way she chooses absent her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the digital criticism showed no woman was "exempt" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or young enough - a problem that is "infuriating, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men face identical criticism, she answered "no, never", explaining women were attacked merely for showing "nerve" to live on the internet as they age.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector advocating for "age-defiance", she commented women were still criticised if they age naturally or opted for procedures like cosmetic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, others claim more could be done; if you get treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.