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Women are rallying behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by scrutiny on social media about her looks during a industry function.

She appeared at an industry gathering in LA last month during which a social media clip discussing her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by remarks concerning her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, called the negative reaction "complete nonsense", noting that "males escape this expiration date that women do".

"Males escape such a timeline that women do," said Laura White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, stated unlike men, females are subject to unfair scrutiny growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to look as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, also shared to social media and garnered millions of views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Swansea, spoke of her enjoyment in portraying her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a significant number of the numerous remarks centered on her age and were disparaging regarding her appearance.

This criticism sparked widespread defence for the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "You bully women for having too much work done and attack them for not having enough."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "It's called aging naturally and she is stunning."

Some called her as "stunning" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she looks her age - that's called reality."

Making a Point

She appeared at the studio earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to demonstrate there was no set "mold" for what a woman in her 50s is supposed to look.

As with others her age, she stated she "takes care of herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "improved" and appear "in good health".

"Growing older is a gift and when we do it the best we can, that is what is important," she stated further.

She argued that men aren't held to equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, stating "people don't ask how old famous men are - they just are described as 'wonderful'."

She explained this was a key factor for entering the pageant's division the classic category, in order to demonstrate that midlife women remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

The Core Issue

Hughes, a journalist from Wales, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" this is "not the point", adding she deserves to be free to look however she liked free from her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the digital criticism demonstrated 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 problem that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", adding women were criticized merely for showing "boldness" to live on the internet while growing older.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry emphasizing "age-defiance", the author stated women were still criticised if they age without intervention or opted for procedures including plastic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you get treatments, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.