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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered disparaging remarks on social media about her appearance at a recent industry event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in Los Angeles recently where a social media clip about her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed because of discussion about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the backlash "utter foolishness", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, women were criticized growing older and the actor deserves to be able to look in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and garnered millions of views, the actor, originally from Wales, talked about how much she enjoyed delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

However many of the hundreds of comments centered on her age and were disparaging towards her looks.

This criticism ignited significant support for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video from one Facebook user which stated: "You bully women if they undergo too much work done and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

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

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "very attractive", with another adding that "she appears her age - that's called the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

The winner attended for her interview earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to highlight the absence of a "template" for what a woman of a certain age ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she stated she "looks after herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and appear "in good health".

"Getting older represents a gift and if we can age as well as possible, that's what really matters," she stated further.

She argued that men aren't subject to equivalent beauty standards, noting "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted this was a key factor behind her participation in the competition for over-45s, to "show that midlife women continue to exist" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that while the actor is "gorgeous" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be able to appear however she liked absent her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the digital criticism proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" suggesting they are lacking or youthful enough - a problem that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men experience identical criticism, she answered "not at all", explaining women were attacked just for showing "boldness" to exist online while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Even with the wellness sector promoting "longevity", Hughes said women were still face criticism regardless of if they grow older without intervention or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injectables.

"If you age gracefully, people say more could be done; if you undergo treatments, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she added.