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There is a groundswell of support behind acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she encountered criticism across platforms over her appearance at a recent red carpet function.

The actor was present at a promotional function in LA last month during which a social media clip discussing her role in the latest Wednesday was eclipsed due to comments focusing on her appearance.

Voices of Support

Laura White, 58, described the negative reaction "complete nonsense", adding that "men don't have this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Men are free from this expiration date imposed on women," stated Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are criticized growing older and the actor deserves to be free to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

In the video, also shared to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

Yet many of the online responses zeroed in on her age and were disparaging about her appearance.

The online backlash ignited significant support for the actor, including a viral video online which declared: "People criticize women when they get cosmetic procedures and bully them for not having enough."

Online users came to her defence, with one writing: "She is aging naturally and she appears gorgeous."

Others described her as "stunning" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she looks her age - which is simply reality."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to highlight there was no set "template" for what a female of a certain age is supposed to look.

Like many women in her demographic, she said she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but so she feels "better" and appear "vibrant".

"Growing older is a gift and when we age the best we can, that is what truly counts," she continued.

She contended that men aren't subject to the same appearance ideals, noting "no-one questions how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply appear 'wonderful'."

She said this was part of the motivation for entering the competition the classic category, to "show that midlife women are still here" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that while the actor is "beautiful" that is "beside the point", noting she ought to be at liberty to appear however she liked absent her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the online abuse showed not a single woman is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "constant narrative" suggesting they are insufficient or of the right age - a situation that is "infuriating, irrespective of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether males encounter the same scrutiny, she answered "absolutely not", noting females are attacked just for having the "boldness" to live on social media while aging.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry promoting "longevity", she commented females are still criticised whether they aged gracefully or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you undergo treatments, people say you trying too hard," she concluded.