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Females are uniting for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by criticism on social media regarding her appearance at a recent industry appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in LA on 9 November during which an online segment discussing her role in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of discussion focusing on her appearance.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "men don't have such a timeline that women do".

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

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented differently from men, women were criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

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

But a significant number of the online responses centered on her years and were critical about her appearance.

This criticism triggered a broad defence of the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which stated: "People criticize females if they undergo too much work done and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "It's called aging naturally and she is beautiful."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - that is the natural process."

Making a Point

The winner attended for her interview recently without any makeup as a demonstration and to show there was no set "mold" of how a woman in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females her age, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and be "in good health".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can do it the best we can, that is what really matters," she stated further.

Ms White stated that males are not held to the same aesthetic benchmarks, adding "no-one questions the age of famous men are - they only look 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted that became part of the motivation she entered the pageant's division the classic category, to prove that midlife women continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "irrelevant", stating further she ought to be able to look in any way she chooses absent her age facing scrutiny.

She said the social media vitriol demonstrated that no female is "exempt" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are insufficient or of the right age - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience equivalent judgment, she answered "not at all", adding women were targeted just for having the "audacity" to live on the internet while growing older.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry promoting "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still criticised regardless of if they grow older naturally or chose interventions like surgical procedures or fillers.

"Should you grow older without intervention, others claim you should do more; when you have work done, you are criticized for not aging gracefully enough," she added.