Martha Stewart says she 'really screwed up' with homeless Halloween costume - CTV News

Martha Stewart Faces Backlash After Dressing as a Homeless Person for Halloween

Martha Stewart issued an apology after posting and quickly deleting an Instagram photograph of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween, CNN reported. The 85-year-old businesswoman and TV personality shared the image on Instagram as part of a carousel post promoting her line of QVC candles. On Saturday (October 31), the lifestyle guru appeared on social media wearing a black hat, a torn sweater, distressed jeans, and a cardigan, with dirt and black marks smeared across her face. Standing with two dogs outside of a house, she held up a sign on a clipboard that read I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!

The post triggered immediate condemnation across social media platforms. Critics labeled the costume tone-deaf, grotesque, and morally bankrupt, pointing out that official data indicates more than 700,000 people experience homelessness in the United States. One Reddit user condemned the outfit as offensive and out of touch, while another social media user asked, What in the ‘let them eat cake’ is this costume?

From Initial Defense to an Outright Apology

Initially, Stewart defended the concept behind the outfit in statements to media outlets and social media users. On Sunday, she told Page Six that she was distressed by the reaction, explaining that the look was intended to bring awareness to a serious social issue. 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, Stewart stated, adding that she has spent significant time supporting charities that combat the crisis. She also noted that she is committed to continuing to make a difference.

Martha stewart defends costume — Photo: Just Jared

Martha Stewart says she 'really screwed up' with homeless Halloween costume - CTV News — Photo: Yahoo

Later that same day, Stewart doubled down on her intent in the comments section of Just Jared’s Instagram post, writing: My costume was designed to bring the homeless and the hungry to everyone’s mind and boy it certainly did!!! But not in the correct way, because I did not explain it and I am so sorry I care and I support causes who care. Do all of you???

Hours afterward, Stewart posted a more direct concession to her Instagram grid via a Notes app screenshot, acknowledging that her previous explanations fell short. It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up, she wrote. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough. I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry. Following the apology, she returned to Instagram on Sunday morning with a post about saffron.

Public and Celebrity Reactions to the Controversy

The controversy drew responses from public figures, including Pose star Indya Moore, who commented on Just Jared’s Instagram coverage to critique Stewart’s initial rationale. Moore argued that dressing up as a group of people currently experiencing a crisis is inappropriate and questioned whether the backlash was being framed as proof of the costume’s success rather than a failure in judgment. Moore added, We all make mistakes. I certainly do. I try my best to correct them, not just with explanations but with more active support around the actual issue I may be contributing to, while also pointing out that Stewart appeared to apologize for not writing a caption rather than for the outfit itself. Moore further criticized the multi-millionaire, writing, You turned a question about your judgment into an inquiry of your followers loyalty, and noting that a wealthy person dressing up in such a manner brings more awareness to how out of touch and apathetic wealth makes people than it does motivate people to empathize and activate.

Collage of Martha Stewart dressed as a hobo holding a sign that says "I am hungry, help me!!" and Martha Stewart holding a — Photo: Page Six

Stewart’s costume is part of a wider pattern of Halloween controversies this year. In August, Target issued an apology and pulled a circus clown costume from its inventory following widespread criticism that the design evoked Blackface and minstrel shows.

Martha Stewart’s Longstanding Halloween Traditions

Before the backlash, Stewart described the holiday as one of [her] favorite holidays of the year. She has spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting, and has previously made headlines for celebrating the holiday with her pal Snoop Dogg. To mark Halloween this year, she also shared a throwback photo of herself dressed as a haunted horsewoman in 2009.