Martha Stewart has responded to criticism following her controversial Halloween costume, which depicted her as a homeless person. The 85-year-old businesswoman and television personality shared a photo of herself in ripped clothing with a sign reading "I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!" as part of an Instagram post promoting her QVC candles.
The image was quickly removed after drawing significant backlash in the comments section. Stewart later addressed the controversy in a statement, explaining that her intention was to "bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness."
"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 said. She emphasized her deep care for the issue and her long-standing commitment to supporting charities that combat homelessness.
Stewart has a history of addressing Halloween, offering recipes, craft ideas, and hosting tips for the holiday. However, her most recent costume choice prompted a wave of criticism on social media. Many users described the costume as "tasteless," "out of touch," and "condescending."
Conversely, some social media users defended Stewart, arguing that people were being overly sensitive and that the costume was meant to be lighthearted. "People are so thin-skinned. It’s Halloween and it’s a joke," one user commented on X.
Despite the mixed reactions, Stewart reiterated her commitment to making a difference in addressing the ongoing social crisis of homelessness.