Martha Stewart Faces Backlash Over Homeless Halloween Costume, Says Awareness Was the Aim
American businesswoman and television personality Martha Stewart has faced intense criticism after posting a Halloween photo of herself dressed as a homeless person. The 85-year-old Stewart later said the costume was intended to bring more awareness to homelessness.
In the photo at the centre of the controversy, Stewart wore ripped jeans and a distressed button-down shirt. She held a sign that read, "I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!"
The image was included in an Instagram carousel promoting Stewart's QVC candles. The post was quickly removed after a wave of criticism flooded her comment section.
In response, Stewart said in a statement to Page Six that she had spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween. She cited sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting for one of her favourite holidays of the year.
Stewart said, "I am distressed that my Halloween costume yesterday, which was intended to bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness, has offended people, which was never my intention."
She added that homelessness continues to remain one of America's greatest challenges and ongoing crises, something she cares deeply about. She said she had spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat what she called this ongoing social epidemic.
Stewart said, "I am committed to continuing to make a difference." Despite that explanation, criticism of the costume continued online.
One person wrote on X, "Definitely tasteless. Of all the things she could have done." Another wrote that a person should never dress up as someone poor, sick or in dire circumstances, and said they were disgusted.
On Reddit, one critic wrote that Stewart should simply say she was sorry and did not mean to upset anyone, calling the costume poorly thought out. Another critic called the awareness explanation lazy and condescending, saying anyone would believe it was a very stupid lie.
Others defended Stewart and argued that people were taking the costume too seriously. One person wrote that people were way too sensitive, another described the costume as being in good fun and told critics to leave her alone, and another wrote that people were thin-skinned and that it was Halloween and a joke.
A representative for Stewart did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Beyond her statement, no further formal explanation was provided after the post was removed.
