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There is a groundswell of support in defence of acclaimed star Zeta-Jones following she encountered scrutiny online over her looks at a recent high-profile appearance.

Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in LA recently during which an online segment about her role in the latest Wednesday was overshadowed due to discussion concerning her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face," stated Ms White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, said differently from men, females are unfairly judged for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Swansea, discussed how much she enjoyed delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet a significant number of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were critical about her looks.

This criticism sparked widespread defence for Zeta-Jones, such as a viral video online which said: "People criticize women for having cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have enough."

Commenters also rallied in support, with one writing: "She is growing older naturally and she looks beautiful."

Some called her as "gorgeous" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - that's called reality."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended at the studio earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" for what a female in her 50s should look like.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but to feel "improved" and appear "healthy".

"Ageing is a privilege and if we can age gracefully, this is what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that males are not subject to identical beauty standards, stating "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only look 'wonderful'."

She explained it was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, to prove that midlife women remain relevant" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Sali Hughes, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, stated that although the actor is "beautiful" it was "beside the point", stating further she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses free from her age coming under examination.

Hughes argued the social media vitriol showed that no female is "exempt" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a situation that is "infuriating, regardless of who the victim is".

When asked if men experience identical criticism, she said "not at all", noting females are criticized simply for demonstrating the "audacity" to exist on the internet while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", the author stated females are still criticised if they age gracefully or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or injections.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim you should do more; if you undergo procedures, you are criticized for failing to age well," she added.