Zendaya Criticized Over Ancient Iranian Gold Earrings

Zendaya is facing criticism after wearing earrings made from ancient Iranian gold medallions while promoting The Odyssey in London.

The earrings feature gold medallions from the Ziwiye Treasure, a collection of artifacts from ancient Iran that are about 3,000 years old. London jeweler Glen Spiro mounted the medallions in a removable setting with diamonds and gold. Barron London, which now owns the earrings, said the original artifacts were not damaged.

The company said the earrings celebrate Iran’s rich cultural history and hoped they would encourage discussions about heritage and craftsmanship.

However, many people online disagreed. Some said the artifacts should be returned to Iran or displayed in a museum instead of being worn as jewelry. Others believed the earrings help preserve and showcase ancient history.

Zendaya stars as Athena in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which also features Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o and Cate Blanchett.