Martha Stewart says her homeless Halloween look was meant to raise awareness

Martha Stewart admitted to making a mistake after a Halloween costume choice triggered a wave of criticism online. The author and entrepreneur, recognized as the first self-made female billionaire in the United States, took to social media to address the backlash surrounding her outfit. She described herself as distressed by the reaction and offered a direct apology to those who felt offended by the image.

The controversy began with an Instagram post that Stewart later deleted. In the photo, she appeared dressed as a homeless individual. The ensemble included a black hat, worn jeans, and a cardigan. Her face was marked with dark smudges, and she held a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” The caption for the post promoted her line of candles, a detail that added to the public’s scrutiny of the timing and intent.

Critics on social media reacted quickly to the visual. One commenter labeled the look as the most tone-deaf costume of the year. Another user described the attire as grotesque and morally bankrupt. They questioned the logic behind the choice, referencing the historical phrase about letting people eat cake while they starve. Official data indicates that more than 700,000 people in the US are currently homeless, a figure that likely informed the severity of the online response.

Stewart spoke to Page Six the day after the initial post. She stated that the outfit was designed to bring attention to the serious issue of homelessness. She explained that offending people was never her goal. Stewart noted that homelessness remains a major challenge in America. She said she has spent a significant amount of time supporting charities that work to address the crisis.

Later that same day, Stewart posted a new statement on her Instagram story. She wrote, “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up.” She admitted that her first explanation did not go far enough. Stewart acknowledged that many people are suffering economically. She concluded that wearing such a costume was insensitive and not funny, adding that she was very sorry.

The incident follows a similar controversy at Target in August of this year. The retailer apologized and halted the sale of a circus clown costume after critics argued it resembled Blackface and minstrel shows. Stewart’s representatives were contacted for further comment on the latest dispute.