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Females are uniting for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks on social media regarding her looks during a high-profile event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood on 9 November where a social media clip discussing her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was eclipsed by remarks focusing on her age.

A Chorus of Defence

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the online criticism "absolute rubbish", stating that "men aren't given such a timeline imposed on women".

"Men don't have this expiration date which women face," said Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, said unlike men, women were criticized growing older and Zeta-Jones should be free to look as she wishes.

Online Reaction

In the video, which was also posted on Facebook and attracted millions of views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Wales, discussed her enjoyment in delving into her part, Morticia Addams, in the latest season.

However many of the online responses centered on her years and were negative towards her appearance.

This criticism sparked widespread defence of the actor, such as a popular post online which said: "You bully females for having treatments and bully them for not having enough."

Commenters also came to her defence, as one put it: "It's called aging naturally and she is gorgeous."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "lovely", while someone else said that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air earlier makeup-free to make a statement and to demonstrate the absence of a "mold" of how a woman of a certain age should look like.

As with others her age, she said she "maintains her wellbeing" not to look younger but in order to feel "well" and look "in good health".

"Growing older is an honour and provided we do it as well as possible, this is what is important," she continued.

She argued that males are not held to the same aesthetic benchmarks, noting "no-one questions how old famous men might be - they just appear 'great'."

Ms White noted this was one of the reasons she entered the competition the classic category, in order to demonstrate that midlife women continue to exist" and "retain their appeal".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, stated that while Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "not the point", noting she should be free to appear however she liked free from her age being scrutinised.

She stated the social media vitriol showed not a single woman is "immune" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "ongoing theme" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, regardless of the individual targeted".

Asked if men face the same scrutiny, she said "absolutely not", noting women were attacked simply for having the "nerve" to live on social media as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Despite cosmetic companies promoting "youthful longevity", Hughes said women were still criticised regardless of if they grow older gracefully or chose interventions including plastic surgery or fillers.

"Should you grow older without intervention, others claim more could be done; if you get procedures, you are criticized for trying too hard," she concluded.