Martha Stewart, the 85-year-old lifestyle icon and media personality, issued a second apology on Sunday evening after facing criticism for a Halloween costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness. The original post, which Stewart deleted from her Instagram account, showed her wearing torn clothing, dirt on her face, and holding a clipboard with the message: ‘I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!’ alongside two dogs.
Stewart’s first statement, shared with Page Six on Sunday, acknowledged that the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness but expressed distress that it had offended people. She emphasized her long-standing commitment to supporting charities addressing homelessness. However, in her second apology posted to Instagram, Stewart admitted her initial response ‘didn’t go far enough,’ calling the costume ‘insensitive’ and acknowledging she ‘really screwed up.’
Immediate Response and Deletion
Stewart’s original Instagram post, part of a carousel promoting her QVC Halloween candles, featured her dressed in ripped jeans, a torn cardigan, and a flannel shirt, with dark makeup applied to simulate dirt. A beanie and oversized sunglasses completed the look. The caption read: ‘My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!!!’ The image quickly circulated online after being shared, despite Stewart’s decision to remove it within hours of posting.
Social media users criticized the costume as ‘grotesque,’ ‘out of touch,’ and ‘disgusting,’ with many arguing it mocked a serious societal issue. Comments highlighted the timing of the post amid rising living costs and economic struggles in the U.S. Some users on platform X (formerly Twitter) called the choice ‘heartless’ and ‘cruel,’ while others questioned Stewart’s intent given her reported net worth of approximately $400 million.
Stewart’s Statements and Intent
In her initial statement to Page Six, Stewart framed the costume as an attempt to ‘bring more awareness’ to homelessness, a cause she stated she had supported through charitable efforts for decades. She reiterated her commitment to organizations combating homelessness, though critics argued her explanation did not address the core issue of appropriateness.
Stewart’s second apology, posted to Instagram, marked a shift in tone. She wrote: ‘It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough.’ The post did not provide further elaboration on her reasoning for the costume choice but signaled a recognition of the criticism as valid.
Broader Reactions and Commentary
The backlash extended beyond social media, with opinion pieces and news analyses questioning the symbolism of Stewart’s costume. Critics argued that dressing as a homeless person trivialized systemic issues, particularly at a time when housing insecurity remains a pressing national concern. Some commentators contrasted Stewart’s portrayal with her public image as a figure of domestic perfection and affluence, suggesting a disconnect between her lifestyle and the subject of her costume.
Supporters of Stewart’s intent noted her history of philanthropic work, including donations to homelessness-related charities, and suggested the criticism may have been disproportionate. However, these voices were largely overshadowed by the volume of negative reactions, which focused on the perceived insensitivity of the costume itself.
Background on Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart, born in 1941, rose to prominence as a homemaking expert, author, and television personality in the 1990s. She co-founded Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and became a cultural icon known for her expertise in cooking, decorating, and lifestyle management. Stewart served a prison sentence in 2004 for insider trading, an event she has since addressed publicly as a turning point in her life. She has since rebuilt her brand and remains a prominent figure in media and business, with a reported net worth exceeding $400 million as of early 2026.