Martha Stewart Apology: Homeless Halloween Costume Backlash

Martha Stewart admitted on Sunday that she "really screwed up" with her Halloween costume. The entrepreneur and author removed an Instagram post that showed her dressed as a homeless person. She wore a black hat, distressed jeans, and a cardigan. Black marks were smeared on her face. She held a sign that read "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" The original caption promoted her candle collection.

Stewart first addressed the controversy in a comment to Page Six on Sunday. She said her look was intended to raise awareness about 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," she told the outlet. She noted that homelessness remains a major challenge in the United States. She added that she has spent time supporting charities that combat the issue.

Earlier that day, the post had already generated significant online criticism. One user called it the "most tone-deaf Halloween costume" of the year. Another described the outfit as "grotesque, disgusting, morally bankrupt, incredibly wrong." The critic asked, "What in the 'let them eat cake' is this costume?" Official data indicates that more than 700,000 people in the US are homeless.

Stewart followed up her interview with a statement on her Instagram story. She acknowledged that her initial explanation was insufficient. "My earlier statement didn't go far enough," she wrote. "I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry." She confirmed that she had deleted the original image from her profile.

Her representatives have been contacted for further comment. This is not the first fashion-related controversy involving a major retailer this year. In August, Target apologized for selling a Halloween costume that depicted a circus clown. Critics argued the design evoked Blackface and minstrel shows. The company stopped selling the item after the backlash.

Stewart's apology came less than 24 hours after the photo was posted. The incident highlights the tension between celebrity promotion and public perception of poverty. She is recognized as the first self-made female billionaire in the United States. Her brand continues to operate across media, retail, and publishing sectors.