Zendaya Faces Backlash Over Ancient Iranian Jewellery at... 2026

Zendaya is facing intense backlash after wearing a pair of earrings made from ancient Iranian artefacts dating back to 700BC at a London photocall for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey. The earrings, which feature gold and silver components from the Ziwiye hoard, have drawn criticism from archaeologists and art historians who accuse the Hollywood star and her team of cultural insensitivity and the hijacking of Iran’s cultural heritage.

The Controversy Behind Zendaya’s Earrings

The earrings were supplied by Barron London, a Mayfair-based gallery that specializes in historical artefacts. According to a statement from Barron, the pieces were purchased from jeweller Glenn Spiro in 2025 and are attributed to the Ziwiye hoard—a treasure trove discovered in northwestern Iran in 1947. The hoard was looted by shepherds and later sold piecemeal on the international antiquities market. Today, many items remain scattered across private collections and museums worldwide.

Why Archaeologists Are Outraged

Prof. Sussan Babaie, an Iranian-born art historian at the Courtauld Institute, called the use of the artefacts as accessories “shocking” and criticized the lack of cultural knowledge among stylists and celebrities. She stated: “There is not enough cultural knowledge and cultural sensibility among those who dress celebrities, those who accessorise them, those who put them up as symbols of beauty and power.” The row comes amid growing scrutiny of Western institutions that hold ancient artefacts from historically colonized or war-torn regions.

Comparison of Cultural Heritage Protection Views

Key Takeaways from the Zendaya Jewellery Controversy

• Ancient artefacts like those from the Ziwiye hoard have complex provenance and are often illegally exported from their origin countries.
• The use of culturally significant items in celebrity events highlights the need for greater cultural sensitivity in fashion and entertainment industries.
• This incident adds to the ongoing debate about the repatriation of cultural property held by Western institutions and private collections.
• Representatives for Zendaya and her stylist have been contacted but have not yet issued a formal response.

FAQ: Zendaya’s Iranian Jewellery Backlash

This controversy underscores the need for the entertainment industry to engage with cultural heritage experts when selecting props or accessories with historical significance. As the debate over Western possession of ancient artefacts intensifies, incidents like these may prompt stricter regulations and greater public awareness.