There is a groundswell of support in defence of Oscar-winning actor Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by disparaging remarks across platforms over her appearance following a industry function.
Zeta-Jones attended a promotional function in LA on 9 November during which a social media clip featuring her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated by comments about her looks.
This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the backlash "absolute rubbish", adding that "men don't have such a timeline that women do".
"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do," said the pageant winner.
Beauty journalist Sali Hughes, 50, commented in contrast to men, women were criticized for ageing and she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses.
Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and garnered over 2.5 million views, the actor, hailing from Wales, spoke of the pleasure of delving into her part, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.
But many of the hundreds of comments focused on her years and were disparaging about her looks.
The negative remarks triggered a broad defence for the actor, such as a popular post from one Facebook user which said: "There is criticism for women when they get cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have sufficient procedures."
Commenters also rallied in support, as one put it: "This is growing older naturally and she appears stunning."
Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", and one comment read that "she appears her age - that is life."
Ms White arrived on air recently makeup-free as a demonstration and to show there was no set "blueprint" for what a woman of a certain age is supposed to look.
Like many women her age, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "better" and appear "in good health".
"Ageing is a privilege and if we can live the best we can, this is what really matters," she continued.
She argued that males are not subject to identical appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions how old Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they just appear 'wonderful'."
She said this was one of the reasons behind her participation in the pageant's division the classic category, to "show that females of a certain age are still here" and "still have it".
Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, said that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" that is "not the point", stating further she ought to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses absent her age facing scrutiny.
Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated not a single woman is "immune" and that women do not deserve the "constant narrative" that they are not good enough or of the right age - a situation that is "maddening, regardless of the person involved".
Asked if men face the same scrutiny, she answered "no, never", adding females are targeted just for demonstrating the "nerve" to exist on the internet while growing older.
Even with cosmetic companies promoting "longevity", the author stated women were still face criticism if they age without intervention or opted for procedures like surgical procedures or injectables.
"Should you grow older without intervention, others claim you should do more; when you have procedures, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she added.
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse literary genres and empowering others through words.
