Zendaya faces backlash over ancient Iranian jewelry worn during 'The Odyssey' promotion

Zendaya's jewelry choice for 'The Odyssey' has sparked debate over cultural heritage and ancient artefacts

Zendaya has sparked debate after wearing earrings containing ancient Iranian gold medallions during a London photocall for Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey.

The actress, who portrays the goddess Athena in the film, paired a white Jacquemus dress with earrings featuring gold medallion discs attributed to the first millennium B.C.

According to CNN, the discs are believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old and are linked to the Ziwiye hoard, a collection of ancient artefacts reportedly discovered in Iran's Kurdistan province in the late 1940s.

The medallions were later mounted into earrings by London jeweller Glenn Spiro. Barron London, which acquired the jewellery in 2020, said the earrings are part of its private collection and are not for sale.

In a statement reported by CNN, Barron London said the ancient discs were placed in a "simple, noninvasive claw setting" and were not pierced, reshaped or permanently altered.

The company added, "Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship." It also said it hoped the earrings would highlight Iran's "enduring artistic, cultural and historical legacy."

Despite the explanation, the appearance prompted criticism online. Some social media users described the decision as "unethical" and "disgusting".

Others argued artefacts of such historical significance belong in museums rather than being worn during promotional events.

Some Iranian commentators also questioned how the objects entered private ownership, saying they should be returned to Iran.