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Females are uniting for Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered criticism on social media about her appearance at a recent industry appearance.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles recently where an online segment discussing her part in season two of Wednesday became dominated by discussion focusing on her appearance.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, labelled the backlash "utter foolishness", noting that "males escape such a timeline that women do".

"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," said Ms White.

Writer and commentator Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, females are criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to look however she liked.

Digital Backlash

Within the clip, uploaded to social media and attracted millions of views, the actor, hailing from Wales, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her role, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

But many of the online responses focused on her age and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks ignited a broad defence for Zeta-Jones, including a popular post from one Facebook user which stated: "People criticize females for having too much work done and attack them when they don't have sufficient procedures."

Online users spoke up for her, one stating: "She is ageing naturally and she looks stunning."

Some called her as "stunning" and "so pretty", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that is life."

Challenging Perceptions

Ms White arrived at the studio recently makeup-free to make a statement and to show that there is no fixed "blueprint" for what a female of a certain age should look like.

Like many women in her demographic, she explained she "looks after herself" not to look younger but so she feels "improved" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is an honour and provided we age the best we can, that's what truly counts," she stated further.

Ms White stated that males are not judged by identical appearance ideals, noting "no-one questions the age of certain male celebrities might be - they only look 'fantastic'."

She said that became part of the motivation for entering the pageant's division for women over 45, to "show that women in midlife continue to exist" and "possess it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, said that while the actor is "stunning" this is "beside the point", adding she should be free to look in any way she chooses free from her years facing scrutiny.

Hughes argued the online abuse proved no woman was "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" which says they are insufficient or young enough - an issue that is "infuriating, irrespective of the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men experience identical criticism, she responded "not at all", explaining females are criticized simply for having the "nerve" to exist on the internet while aging.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the beauty industry promoting "age-defiance", the author stated females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or underwent treatments including cosmetic surgery or fillers.

"When a woman ages without intervention, others claim more could be done; if you get treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.