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Women are rallying in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she faced criticism on social media regarding her looks during a industry appearance.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in LA recently where a social media clip discussing her role in the latest Wednesday was eclipsed by remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, described the backlash "utter foolishness", stating that "men aren't given this expiration date which women face".

"Men are free from such a timeline which women face," said the pageant winner.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, females are unfairly judged as they age and she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and garnered millions of views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However a significant number of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were critical regarding her looks.

This criticism sparked a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which declared: "You bully females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and attack them when they don't have enough."

Online users rallied in support, as one put it: "She is growing older naturally and she is stunning."

Others described her as "stunning" and "so pretty", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - which is simply life."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived for her interview earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to show that there is no fixed "template" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women her age, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but to feel "improved" and look "vibrant".

"Getting older represents a privilege and when we live the best we can, that is what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that men were not held to identical appearance ideals, noting "people don't ask how old certain male celebrities might be - they just appear 'great'."

She said it was one of the reasons for entering the competition for women over 45, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, commented that although the actor is "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", adding she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses free from her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the social media vitriol demonstrated that no female is "protected" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" that they are insufficient or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, no matter the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether males encounter the same scrutiny, she said "no, never", noting females are criticized simply for showing "boldness" to be present on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Even with cosmetic companies emphasizing "age-defiance", the author stated females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older naturally or chose interventions such as plastic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, others claim you ought to try harder; if you get procedures, you're accused of trying too hard," she added.