Martha Stewart has found herself at the center of controversy after sharing a Halloween costume that left fans raging. The entrepreneur and TV chef dressed up as a homeless person, together with a sign asking for “help” and food. But while she released a statement, it wasn’t enough for fans. Now, Stewart has shared a second statement, apologizing for her costume choice.
Martha Stewart left fans angry over the Halloween weekend. The 85-year-old posted a picture of herself dressed as a homeless person. In the picture, which has now been deleted, Martha Stewart wore a ripped outfit, with dirt covering her face.
She also held a sign that read, “I am hungry. Please help.” The image quickly drew negative reactions from fans and followers, urging her to delete the post.
In the end, she did. A few hours later, Stewart issued a statement to Page Six, addressing the reaction.
“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,” Martha Stewart wrote.
The celebrity went on to explain that homelessness is an issue she cares deeply about and one she has spent considerable time supporting.
“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises, something that I care deeply about and I have spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic,” she said, concluding that she is “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Elsewhere, Martha Stewart also spoke about her love for Halloween, saying it’s one of her “favorite holidays of the year.”
Moreover, she said she has spent a lot of time helping others celebrate the festivities, “teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting.”
But while Martha Stewart deleted the picture and released a statement, the backlash continued in the comments on her other Instagram posts.
For example, in the comment section on another video where the chef and entrepreneur shared how to make a chicken and dumpling recipe, the criticism about her Halloween costume was present,
“Now go make this for a soup kitchen full of people you just turned into a Halloween costume,” one user wrote, per EW.
Another asked: “What happened to your costume? Got embarrassed?” while a third simply stated, “The Halloween costume is unforgivable-“
Martha Stewart says she “intended to bring more awareness” around homelessness
Over the years, Stewart has transformed herself into several different characters. In 2024, she appeared in full royal regalia inspired by Queen Elizabeth I. In 2011, she dressed up as “Motha,” while her very first Halloween episode of ‘The Martha Stewart Show‘ in 2005 saw her become Jane of the Jungle.
However, this time, as you know by this point, it didn’t go well. Although she gave a statement to Page Six, Martha Stewart later shared a second statement on Instagram Stories, where she apologized. On November 1, she admitted that she had gone too far.
Per the BBC, Martha Stewart said she was “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”.
“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. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,” she added.
Her second statement drew mixed responses. Some followers showed their support, with one writing: “Martha, we still love you. Sometimes the joke comes out a little underbaked. We’ve all had our moments.”
Fans defend – and question – her
Another person defended her, commenting: “Martha! You’re fine, it’s Halloween and it’s just a costume. Not everything is a political or social statement.”
However, others weren’t that convinced. One wrote, “I want to know the annual salary of everyone who was OK [with] it.”
One questioned, “Love Martha, but how did no one on your PR team tell you that wasn’t a good idea?”
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