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Females are uniting in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism across platforms regarding her looks at a recent high-profile appearance.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in Hollywood recently where a social media clip featuring her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by comments focusing on her age.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, called the backlash "utter foolishness", stating that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men don't have such a timeline that women do," said Ms White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, women were criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be free to look however she liked.

Online Reaction

In the video, uploaded to Facebook and garnered more than 2.5m views, the actor, hailing from Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of exploring her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the online responses zeroed in on her years and were critical towards her appearance.

The negative remarks sparked significant support of Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and bully them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Commenters also came to her defence, one stating: "She is aging naturally and she appears stunning."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she appears her age - that's called reality."

Making a Point

She appeared on air earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to show there was no set "mold" of how a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she stated she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but in order to feel "well" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is a privilege and provided we live the best we can, that's what is important," she stated further.

She argued that men were not subject to equivalent beauty standards, stating "people don't ask how old famous men might be - they simply look 'fantastic'."

She explained it was one of the reasons she entered the pageant's division for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

The author, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" that is "not the point", stating further she deserves to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her age being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism showed no woman was "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are not good enough or of the right age - an issue that is "infuriating, no matter who the victim is".

Questioned on whether males encounter identical criticism, she responded "no, never", adding females are targeted merely for demonstrating the "nerve" to be present on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector emphasizing "youthful longevity", she commented women were still face criticism if they age naturally or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or fillers.

"When a woman ages gracefully, commenters state more could be done; when you have work done, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.