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Females are uniting in defence of Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones after she encountered scrutiny across platforms about her appearance during a red carpet event.

She appeared at a promotional function in Los Angeles recently where a TikTok interview discussing her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed because of discussion focusing on her age.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", noting that "males escape this expiration date imposed on women".

"Males escape this expiration date that women do," stated Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated in contrast to men, women were criticized growing older and she ought to be at liberty to look however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Mumbles, Swansea, discussed the pleasure of exploring her part, Morticia Addams, in season two.

Yet a large portion of the numerous remarks focused on her years and were disparaging about her looks.

The online backlash ignited significant support of the actor, including a viral video from a social media user which said: "People criticize women when they get treatments and bully them if they avoid enough."

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

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

The winner attended on air earlier with a bare face to "prove a point" and to show the absence of a "blueprint" of how a female of a certain age ought to appear.

Like many women of her years, she stated she "maintains her wellbeing" not to appear younger but in order to feel "well" and look "vibrant".

"Ageing is a gift and provided we age as well as possible, that's what really matters," she continued.

She argued that men aren't judged by equivalent aesthetic benchmarks, noting "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they simply are described as 'great'."

Ms White noted this was one of the reasons she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist from Wales, stated that although Zeta-Jones was "stunning" it was "not the point", adding she ought to be free to look however she liked without her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse showed not a single woman is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" which says they are insufficient or youthful enough - an issue that is "infuriating, irrespective of the person involved".

Asked if males encounter equivalent judgment, she said "not at all", adding females are criticized just for showing "boldness" to be present on social media as they age.

A Double Bind

Regardless of the wellness sector advocating for "youthful longevity", the author stated females are still criticised whether they aged without intervention or opted for procedures including cosmetic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state you should do more; if you get treatments, you are criticized for failing to age well," she concluded.