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Zendaya Faces Criticism Over Ancient Iranian Gold Earrings Worn at London Film Event
Zendaya recently found herself at the center of controversy after wearing earrings made from 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions while promoting Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey, in London. The actress, who stars as Athena in the movie, paired her white Jacquemus gown with large, striking gold earrings that quickly drew attention-not just for their beauty, but for their historical significance.
The earrings feature gold medallions dating back to the 1st millennium BC, originating from the Ziwiye hoard, a collection of Median-period artifacts discovered in Northwest Iran in 1947. These ancient pieces were repurposed into jewelry by London-based designer Glen Spiro, who mounted the medallions with 18k yellow gold and diamonds as part of his unique approach to transforming antiquities into wearable art.
However, the choice sparked backlash from historians, archaeologists, and social media users who argued that such priceless cultural artifacts belong in museums, not on the red carpet. Critics labeled the look as “colonialism chic,” highlighting concerns about ethical considerations surrounding the use of objects from the Global South. Writer Zirrar Ali voiced particular frustration with Western celebrities’ perceived lack of sensitivity toward these issues.
The Ziwiye hoard’s discovery was somewhat controversial itself, as the treasure was not excavated professionally. Instead, locals found and sold the items individually, leading to pieces being dispersed across major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, and the British Museum. In response to ongoing debates, Iran’s Forensic Archive has petitioned for greater transparency regarding the provenance of the gold discs.
Glen Spiro defended his work in a 2025 interview with Galeria magazine, noting, “You can wear something around your neck that dates back thousands of years but is still contemporary and cool.” The earrings were acquired by fine jewelry brand Barron London in 2020, which emphasized that their mounting method was “simple” and “noninvasive,” designed not to damage the original artifacts. The pieces remain part of the company’s private collection and are not available for sale.
This incident adds to previous ethical discussions surrounding Zendaya’s fashion choices. Recently, fans expressed concern when it was revealed that her stylist, Law Roach, had transported a Schiaparelli dress from Paris to London on a private jet shortly after its debut at Paris Haute Couture Week, raising questions about sustainability and environmental impact.
As Zendaya continues her press tour for The Odyssey, her style remains influential, but so too do the conversations sparked by the origins and ethics behind her looks.