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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she encountered criticism online about her appearance during a high-profile appearance.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in LA on 9 November during which an online segment featuring her character in the new series of Wednesday was eclipsed because of comments about her appearance.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, called the backlash "complete nonsense", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date that women do".

"Males escape such a timeline imposed on women," said Ms White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented differently from men, women were criticized as they age and she ought to be able to appear in any way she chooses.

Online Reaction

Within the clip, also shared to Facebook and attracted millions of views, the actor, originally from Mumbles, Swansea, spoke of the pleasure of exploring her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a large portion of the numerous remarks zeroed in on her years and were disparaging regarding her looks.

The online backlash ignited widespread defence for the actor, such as a widely-shared clip from a social media user which declared: "You bully females if they undergo cosmetic procedures and bully them when they don't have enough work."

Others also rallied in support, one stating: "This is aging naturally and she looks stunning."

Some called her as "beautiful" and "very attractive", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply life."

Making a Point

She appeared at the studio earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate the absence of a "template" for what a female in her 50s ought to appear.

Similar to numerous females her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not to look younger but so she feels "better" and appear "in good health".

"Ageing is a gift and if we can live the best we can, that's what is important," she added.

Ms White stated that men aren't held to the same appearance ideals, stating "no-one questions the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they just appear 'fantastic'."

Ms White noted it was a key factor behind her participation in Miss Great Britain's category the classic category, in order to demonstrate that females of a certain age are still here" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a journalist from Wales, commented that while Zeta-Jones was "beautiful" that is "beside the point", stating further she should be at liberty to look in any way she chooses without her age being scrutinised.

Hughes argued the online abuse demonstrated no woman was "exempt" and that females should not face the "constant narrative" suggesting they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of the person involved".

When asked if men face identical criticism, she responded "no, never", noting females are targeted just for having the "nerve" to be present online as they age.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the beauty industry promoting "longevity", she commented women were still criticised if they age gracefully or underwent treatments like plastic surgery or injections.

"Should you grow older without intervention, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo work done, people say you failing to age well," she concluded.