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There is a groundswell of support for acclaimed star Zeta-Jones after she was targeted by criticism on social media over her looks at a recent red carpet event.

The actor was present at a promotional function in Hollywood recently where a TikTok interview about her role in season two of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to comments focusing on her looks.

Widespread Backing

Aged 58, Laura White, described the online criticism "utter foolishness", stating that "men don't have this expiration date that women do".

"Men don't have this expiration date that women do," argued Laura White.

Beauty journalist aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, females are criticized for ageing and she ought to be at liberty to appear as she wishes.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, which was also posted on social media and garnered over 2.5 million views, Zeta-Jones, hailing from Mumbles, Swansea, talked about her enjoyment in delving into her role, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But many of the hundreds of comments focused on her age and were negative about her looks.

The negative remarks ignited a broad defence of Zeta-Jones, featuring a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which said: "People criticize women for having cosmetic procedures and criticize them for not having enough."

Others also came to her defence, one stating: "She is ageing naturally and she appears beautiful."

Many labelled her as "gorgeous" and "so pretty", with another adding that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called the natural process."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived on air earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" for what a female in midlife ought to appear.

As with others in her demographic, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "well" and be "healthy".

"Ageing is a gift and provided we live gracefully, that is what is important," she continued.

She argued that males are not subject to the same appearance ideals, adding "nobody scrutinizes the age of certain male celebrities are - they simply look 'great'."

She explained this was part of the motivation for entering the competition for over-45s, to prove that females of a certain age continue to exist" and "still have it".

The Core Issue

Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, said that although Zeta-Jones was "gorgeous" this is "not the point", adding she ought to be at liberty to look however she liked absent her age being scrutinised.

She stated the digital criticism showed not a single woman is "protected" and that females should not face the "ongoing theme" that they are lacking or of the right age - an issue that is "maddening, no matter the individual targeted".

Asked if men experience identical criticism, she responded "no, never", noting females are criticized simply for demonstrating the "nerve" to be present online while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Despite the wellness sector emphasizing "longevity", she commented females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older naturally or chose interventions like plastic surgery or injectables.

"If you age without intervention, commenters state more could be done; if you undergo procedures, people say you not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.