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Women are rallying for Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks online over her looks during a high-profile event.

Zeta-Jones attended a Netflix event in Los Angeles recently where a social media clip featuring her part in the new series of the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to remarks about her looks.

A Chorus of Defence

Aged 58, Laura White, described the backlash "absolute rubbish", noting that "men don't have such a timeline imposed on women".

"Men are free from this sell-by/use-by date that women do," argued Laura White.

Writer and commentator aged 50, Sali Hughes, commented unlike men, women were criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be at liberty to appear however she liked.

The Social Media Storm

Within the clip, uploaded to Facebook and attracted more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, originally from Wales, discussed how much she enjoyed portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But a significant number of the online responses centered on her age and were critical regarding her appearance.

The negative remarks triggered significant support of the actor, such as a popular post from a social media user which said: "There is criticism for women if they undergo treatments and attack them when they don't have enough."

Others also rallied in support, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she is beautiful."

Many labelled her as "stunning" and "lovely", and one comment read that "her appearance reflects her years - that's called the natural process."

Making a Point

She appeared for her interview earlier with a bare face to make a statement and to show there was no set "template" for what a woman in midlife is supposed to look.

As with others in her demographic, she said she "looks after herself" not to look younger but to feel "better" and look "in good health".

"Ageing is a privilege and when we age the best we can, that's what really matters," she continued.

Ms White stated that men aren't subject to equivalent appearance ideals, stating "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones might be - they only are described as 'wonderful'."

Ms White noted this was one of the reasons behind her participation in the competition for women over 45, to prove that females of a certain age remain relevant" and "retain their appeal".

Unfair Scrutiny

Sali Hughes, a journalist of Welsh origin, said that although the actor is "beautiful" it was "beside the point", stating further she ought to be free to appear in any way she chooses absent her years facing scrutiny.

She stated the online abuse demonstrated that no female is "protected" and that it is unfair for women to endure the "perpetual story" that they are not good enough or young enough - an issue that is "galling, regardless of who the victim is".

Questioned on whether men experience equivalent judgment, she answered "no, never", noting women were criticized simply for demonstrating the "audacity" to live on social media while aging.

A No-Win Situation

Regardless of the beauty industry advocating for "age-defiance", she commented women were still judged regardless of if they grow older without intervention or underwent treatments like surgical procedures or injectables.

"When a woman ages naturally, others claim more could be done; when you have work done, people say you trying too hard," she added.