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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered disparaging remarks online about her looks following a industry function.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November during which a TikTok interview about her role in season two of Wednesday was overshadowed due to comments focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the backlash "absolute rubbish", stating that "men don't have this expiration date which women face".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women," argued Ms White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said differently from men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and she ought to be able to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about how much she enjoyed delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the latest season.

Yet many of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were critical about her appearance.

This criticism triggered significant support for Zeta-Jones, including a viral video from a social media user which declared: "You bully females for having too much work done and criticize them if they avoid enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "This is ageing naturally and she appears stunning."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she looks her age - that is reality."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended for her interview earlier makeup-free to "prove a point" and to show that there is no fixed "blueprint" of how a female in her 50s ought to appear.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but in order to feel "well" and be "vibrant".

"Ageing is a privilege and provided we live as well as possible, that is what truly counts," she stated further.

She contended that men aren't held to equivalent beauty standards, stating "nobody scrutinizes how old certain male celebrities are - they only appear 'great'."

She explained that became a key factor for entering the competition for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age are still here" and "possess it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator from Wales, commented that although Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "not the point", stating further she ought to be free to look as she wishes without her age facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse proved not a single woman is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or young enough - a situation that is "infuriating, no matter the individual targeted".

Questioned on whether men face the same scrutiny, she responded "no, never", explaining women were criticized just for having the "nerve" to be present online while aging.

A Double Bind

Even with the wellness sector advocating for "age-defiance", she commented women were still judged whether they aged naturally or underwent treatments such as plastic surgery or fillers.

"When a woman ages gracefully, others claim more could be done; if you get treatments, people say you failing to age well," she remarked further.