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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks online regarding her looks during a industry event.

Zeta-Jones attended an industry gathering in LA recently during which an online segment about her part in season two of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of discussion focusing on her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, labelled the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "men don't have such a timeline that women do".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date that women do," said the pageant winner.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said in contrast to men, women were subject to unfair scrutiny for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear as she wishes.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, which was also posted on Facebook and garnered millions of views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, talked about how much she enjoyed exploring her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks focused on her years and were disparaging about her looks.

This criticism sparked significant support for the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "There is criticism for women for having too much work done and criticize them when they don't have enough."

Others also rallied in support, as one put it: "She is aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply the natural process."

Challenging Perceptions

She appeared at the studio recently makeup-free to make a statement and to highlight that there is no fixed "mold" for what a woman in her 50s ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females of her years, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but so she feels "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Growing older is a gift and if we can age the best we can, this is what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men were not held to the same beauty standards, adding "people don't ask how old famous men might be - they only look 'wonderful'."

She said that became one of the reasons she entered the pageant's division for over-45s, to "show that women in midlife remain relevant" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "irrelevant", stating further she deserves to be at liberty to look in any way she chooses without her years coming under examination.

She said the social media vitriol showed that no female is "protected" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" suggesting they are insufficient or of the right age - an issue that is "galling, no matter who the victim is".

Asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she answered "absolutely not", explaining women were attacked merely for having the "boldness" to be present online while growing older.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "youthful longevity", Hughes said women were still judged regardless of if they grow older without intervention or chose interventions like surgical procedures or injections.

"If you age naturally, others claim more could be done; if you undergo work done, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she concluded.