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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she faced scrutiny online about her looks at a recent industry function.

The actor was present at a Netflix event in LA recently where an online segment featuring her role in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed due to remarks about her age.

Widespread Backing

Laura White, 58, labelled the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", stating that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date which women face," said Laura White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, females are unfairly judged growing older and the actor deserves to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet many of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks triggered significant support of Zeta-Jones, including a viral video online which said: "There is criticism for women when they get cosmetic procedures and criticize them when they don't have enough work."

Others also spoke up for her, one stating: "This is ageing naturally and she appears stunning."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that's called the natural process."

Making a Point

She appeared at the studio earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to highlight there was no set "template" for what a female in midlife should look like.

Similar to numerous females her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not to look younger but in order to feel "better" and be "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and if we can age as well as possible, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She argued that men were not judged by identical aesthetic benchmarks, stating "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities are - they only look 'wonderful'."

She said this was one of the reasons she entered the competition for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that midlife women are still here" and "still have it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter from Wales, commented that while the actor is "stunning" it was "not the point", stating further she ought to be at liberty to appear as she wishes without her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse proved that no female is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" that they are not good enough or of the right age - a problem that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if males encounter identical criticism, she responded "no, never", adding women were attacked simply for having the "nerve" to exist on the internet while growing older.

A Double Bind

Regardless of cosmetic companies promoting "longevity", the author stated women were still judged regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, people say you ought to try harder; if you get procedures, you're accused of failing to age well," she remarked further.