Zendaya is currently under fire after stepping onto a red carpet wearing earrings social media users are calling ‘stolen artifacts.’
The Euphoria star is facing backlash after she attended the Odyssey premiere in London wearing a white gown and gold medallion earrings that are reportedly of Iranian origins and around 3,000 years old. Though the earrings first seemed like a statement accessory for the rather simple red carpet look, both the actress and her stylist, Law Roach, are now facing backlash after the earrings’ complicated history has been revealed. Social media users are continuing to call them out, asking for the earrings to have a new home. Read more about the situation below.
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Zendaya Wears 3,000-Year-Old Iranian Earrings To 'The Odyssey' London Premiere
In the entertainment industry, one of the most talked-about releases right now is The Odyssey, the new Christopher Nolan film based on the ancient Greek epic poem. The cast of the movie, which was released on July 17th, is packed with stars, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya, who plays Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
On July 5th, the Disney alum, along with most of her co-stars, stepped out in London for a photocall for the film, where she wore an outfit that gave off ancient Greece vibes and fit her role. She had on a white Jacquemus dress and a coordinating white headband. However, as beautiful as her dress might have been, the most eye-catching element of her look was the massive, gold medallion earrings she had on.
The earrings had inscriptions on them, and after research was done, media outlets reported that they were approximately 3,000 years old and likely were made in Iran. The fine jewelry brand that acquired the earrings, Barron London, wrote a statement to CNN claiming they had gotten them in Spiro, fought to preserve them by making only minor adjustments that made them wearable, etc.
"Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation, and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship," the statement read. "At a time when Iran is frequently viewed through the lens of contemporary events, we hope these earrings can serve as a reminder of the country's enduring artistic, cultural, and historical legacy."
Fans & Other Internet Users Slam Zendaya For Wearing The Earrings Online
Right now, in today's political climate, the ongoing war and conflict in Iran is one of the most talked-about issues. Therefore, once word got out about the origins of the ancient gold earrings worn by the Challengers actress, they sparked an online debate.
On platforms like Instagram, X, and more, there were numerous fans divided by the situation with the earrings. Some believed that wearing the medallions was a way to preserve them and keep the history alive. However, many other users felt that they represented the hardships of the Iranian people, and that they should be given a proper home to be preserved in.
"Hey! I am very disappointed that you wore 3,000-year-old actual artifacts/gold rings stolen from Iran at the Odyssey event!" an Instagram user wrote under one of Zendaya's latest posts.
"Next time, don't wear another country's stolen artifacts as earrings," wrote another. "People would call it cultural appropriation."
One follower noted that "wearing stolen artifacts is not cool," as another asked, "Why do you think you have the right to wear ancient artifacts?"
"Celebrities are so tone deaf," added a user.
