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There is a groundswell of support behind Oscar-winning actor Catherine Zeta-Jones following she was targeted by disparaging remarks on social media over her looks during a red carpet function.

The actor was present at an industry gathering in Hollywood on 9 November where an online segment about her part in the latest the 'Wednesday' show was overshadowed due to discussion about her looks.

Widespread Backing

This year's Miss Great Britain Classic winner, Laura White, described the online criticism "complete nonsense", stating that "men aren't given this sell-by/use-by date which women face".

"Males escape such a timeline which women face," said Laura White.

Author Sali Hughes, 50, stated in contrast to men, women were unfairly judged for ageing and the actor deserves to be at liberty to appear in any way she chooses.

Digital Backlash

During the interview, uploaded to Facebook and garnered more than 2.5m views, the actor, who is from Swansea, spoke of how much she enjoyed portraying her character, Morticia Addams, in season two.

But many of the online responses zeroed in on her years and were critical about her looks.

The online backlash ignited significant support for the actor, such as a popular post online which said: "You bully women for having too much work done and criticize them if they avoid sufficient procedures."

Others also spoke up for her, one stating: "This is growing older naturally and she looks stunning."

Many labelled her as "beautiful" and "lovely", while someone else said that "she appears her age - which is simply life."

A Statement Arrival

Ms White arrived at the studio earlier without any makeup as a demonstration and to demonstrate that there is no fixed "blueprint" of how a female of a certain age ought to appear.

Like many women her age, she explained she "looks after herself" not to appear younger but in order to feel "improved" and appear "vibrant".

"Ageing is an honour and when we age gracefully, that is what truly counts," she continued.

She contended that males are not held to identical beauty standards, adding "people don't ask how old certain male celebrities might be - they just look 'fantastic'."

She said it was one of the reasons for entering Miss Great Britain's category for over-45s, to prove that women in midlife are still here" and "still have it".

Unfair Scrutiny

The author, a writer and commentator of Welsh origin, commented that while the actor is "gorgeous" that is "beside the point", adding she deserves to be at liberty to appear as she wishes free from her years coming under examination.

Hughes argued the online abuse proved no woman was "protected" and that women do not deserve the "perpetual story" that they are insufficient or youthful enough - a problem that is "maddening, irrespective of the person involved".

When asked if men face identical criticism, she said "absolutely not", noting women were attacked just for demonstrating the "boldness" to exist on social media while growing older.

An Impossible Standard

Even with the wellness sector promoting "longevity", Hughes said females are still criticised whether they aged without intervention or chose interventions like cosmetic surgery or injections.

"If you age gracefully, commenters state you ought to try harder; when you have treatments, you're accused of not aging gracefully enough," she remarked further.