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There is a groundswell of support for Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by scrutiny online over her appearance during a high-profile function.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Los Angeles on 9 November where an online segment about her role in the latest the 'Wednesday' show became dominated due to discussion concerning her age.

A Chorus of Defence

Laura White, 58, labelled the negative reaction "absolute rubbish", stating that "males escape this sell-by/use-by date imposed on women".

"Men are free from such a timeline that women do," argued Ms White.

Author aged 50, Sali Hughes, said differently from men, women were criticized for ageing and Zeta-Jones should be able to appear in any way she chooses.

The Social Media Storm

During the interview, also shared to Facebook and had more than 2.5m views, Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales, spoke of her enjoyment in exploring her character, the Addams Family matriarch, in the new episodes.

But a significant number of the hundreds of comments centered on her years and were critical regarding her appearance.

The online backlash triggered a broad defence for the actor, including a widely-shared clip from one Facebook user which stated: "There is criticism for females if they undergo treatments and attack them when they don't have enough."

Others also came to her defence, with one writing: "It's called ageing naturally and she looks stunning."

Others described her as "beautiful" and "lovely", and one comment read that "she looks her age - which is simply the natural process."

Making a Point

The winner attended for her interview earlier with a bare face as a demonstration and to highlight the absence of a "blueprint" for what a female in her 50s should look like.

Similar to numerous females her age, she explained she "takes care of herself" not for a youthful appearance but to feel "improved" and look "in good health".

"Getting older represents a privilege and if we can do it the best we can, that's what really matters," she continued.

She argued that men aren't judged by the same beauty standards, adding "people don't ask the age of Tom Cruise, George Clooney or Tom Jones are - they simply look 'great'."

Ms White noted it was one of the reasons she entered Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, in order to demonstrate that women in midlife continue to exist" and "possess it".

A Fundamental Problem

Sali Hughes, an author and presenter of Welsh origin, commented that although the actor is "beautiful" it was "beside the point", adding she should be able to look as she wishes absent her age coming under examination.

She stated the online abuse showed that no female is "protected" and that females should not face the "perpetual story" suggesting they are not good enough or of the right age - a situation that is "galling, regardless of the individual targeted".

When asked if men face equivalent judgment, she said "absolutely not", noting women were attacked simply for demonstrating the "nerve" to live on the internet while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Even with the wellness sector emphasizing "age-defiance", Hughes said females are still face criticism regardless of if they grow older gracefully or chose interventions such as surgical procedures or injections.

"Should you grow older naturally, others claim you should do more; if you undergo procedures, people say you failing to age well," she added.