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Women are rallying behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism across platforms over her looks at a recent red carpet event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in LA on 9 November during which a social media clip about her character in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion about her appearance.

Voices of Support

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the negative reaction "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have this expiration date that women do".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," argued the pageant winner.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, females are unfairly judged as they age and she ought to be able to look in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed the pleasure of delving into her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But a significant number of the numerous remarks centered on her years and were critical about her looks.

The negative remarks triggered a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which declared: "You bully women for having treatments and attack them if they avoid enough work."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Others described her as "stunning" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

She appeared on air recently without any makeup to "prove a point" and to show there was no set "template" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she stated she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "improved" and be "vibrant".

"Growing older is a privilege and when we do it as well as possible, that is what is important," she added.

She contended that males are not held to identical aesthetic benchmarks, stating "no-one questions how old certain male celebrities might be - they simply look 'great'."

Ms White noted it was a key factor she entered the competition for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" it was "not the point", adding she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses without her years being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism demonstrated not a single woman is "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "infuriating, irrespective of who the victim is".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she said "no, never", explaining women were attacked merely for demonstrating the "audacity" to exist online as they age.

An Impossible Standard

Despite the beauty industry advocating for "longevity", the author stated females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or opted for procedures including surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages gracefully, others claim more could be done; when you have treatments, you're accused of failing to age well," she remarked further.