Actor and model Indya Moore has criticized Martha Stewart's Halloween costume, in which the lifestyle mogul dressed as a panhandler with a sign that read "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" Moore stated that the costume was insensitive and an inappropriate way to bring attention to the issue of homelessness.
Stewart initially posted the photo of her costume online, but later deleted it after facing backlash. She attempted to apologize in the comments of a social media post, stating her intention was to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless and hungry. However, Moore found Stewart's explanation unconvincing.
"Halloween has never been a time when people dress up as a demographic in need to raise awareness for them," Moore wrote. "This is why your excuse is not believable for so many people." Moore suggested that Stewart's action appeared to use the anger of those who have experienced hunger to validate her costume, rather than genuinely addressing the issue.
Moore further elaborated, "A rich woman dressing up as a hungry, homeless person brings more awareness to how out of touch and apathetic wealth makes people than it does motivate people to empathize and activate." The actor proposed that if Stewart were serious about poverty, she should support policies that address wealth inequality, provide food assistance, and ensure free healthcare and education.
Moore also called Stewart's follow-up question to her followers, "Do all of you???" passive-aggressive and insulting, arguing that it shifted focus from an apology for her poor judgment to an interrogation of her followers' loyalty.
Stewart later released a statement to the media expressing distress that her costume had offended people, reiterating that it was never her intention. She stated her deep care for the issue of homelessness and her support for charities that combat it. In a subsequent apology posted on her Instagram page, Stewart admitted, "Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry."