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Women are rallying for acclaimed star Catherine Zeta-Jones after she faced disparaging remarks on social media regarding her appearance following a red carpet appearance.

The actor was present at a promotional function in LA recently where a social media clip about her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated by discussion about her appearance.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, called the negative reaction "utter foolishness", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape this sell-by/use-by date which women face," argued Ms White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, stated unlike men, females are criticized for ageing and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear however she liked.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, which was also posted on social media and had over 2.5 million views, the actor, who is from Wales, talked about her enjoyment in portraying her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in season two.

However a significant number of the hundreds of comments zeroed in on her age and were disparaging about her looks.

This criticism triggered widespread defence of the actor, featuring a widely-shared clip online which stated: "There is criticism for females when they get treatments and attack them when they don't have enough."

Others also came to her defence, with one writing: "She is growing older naturally and she is gorgeous."

Some called her as "stunning" and "lovely", with another adding that "she looks her age - which is simply reality."

Making a Point

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier without any makeup to make a statement and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" of how a female of a certain age should look like.

Like many women of her years, she stated she "looks after herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and appear "vibrant".

"Getting older represents an honour and if we can live gracefully, that's what truly counts," she added.

She argued that males are not subject to identical appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only are described as 'wonderful'."

She explained this was part of the motivation she entered Miss Great Britain's category for women over 45, to "show that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, commented that although the actor is "stunning" this is "irrelevant", stating further she deserves to be free to appear as she wishes without her years coming under examination.

Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" which says they are insufficient or of the right age - a situation that is "maddening, no matter who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men face equivalent judgment, she responded "not at all", explaining females are targeted simply for having the "boldness" to exist online while growing older.

A Double Bind

Even with the beauty industry emphasizing "youthful longevity", the author stated women were still judged if they age naturally or opted for procedures such as surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, people say you ought to try harder; when you have procedures, you're accused of failing to age well," she remarked further.