Martha Stewart's Halloween costume, depicting a hungry beggar, drew sharp criticism from transgender actress Indya Moore on Sunday.
Stewart, 85, posted an image on Instagram Saturday of herself in a tattered flannel shirt with simulated dirt on her face, holding a sign that read "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" The lifestyle guru later defended the costume, stating it was intended "to bring the homeless and the hungry to everyone’s mind."
However, Moore, 31, responded on social media, calling Stewart's explanation "not believable" and arguing that a wealthy individual dressing as a homeless person highlights the apathy of the rich rather than fostering empathy for those in need. Moore stated, "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."
Stewart's original post included the image as part of a carousel promoting her QVC holiday candles. Following public disapproval, she offered an initial apology in the comments of a Just Jared Instagram post, saying, "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."
Moore countered that apologies should be accompanied by "more active support around the actual issue I may be contributing to." She argued that Halloween is a time for caricatures of monsters or villains, not for dressing up as vulnerable demographics. "This is why your excuse is not believable for so many people. It actually seems like you’re using the anger of people who have actually been hungry as proof your costume worked," Moore wrote.
Moore further suggested that if Stewart were serious about poverty, she should "use your platform to back policies that tax the rich, put free food in front of people who are hungry and homeless, and provide free healthcare and education." She noted that Stewart's followers are likely closer to poverty than she is, making their questions about her judgment valid.
Stewart issued a second apology Sunday evening via her personal Instagram account, acknowledging the insensitivity of her costume. "It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough. I know many people are suffering economically," she wrote. "Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry. Martha."