Lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart, 85, has apologized after deleting an Instagram photo of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween, complete with torn clothing, dirt on her face and a sign reading “I am hungry help me!!” The post, shared Saturday as part of a carousel promoting her QVC candles, quickly drew sharp online criticism and was removed.
Stewart initially issued a statement Sunday saying 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.” She added that homelessness remains “one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises,” that she has supported related charities, and that she remains “committed to continuing to make a difference.” The statement did not include a direct apology and drew further criticism.
Hours later, she posted a fuller apology on Instagram. “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. 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.”
The original photo appeared in a post captioned “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!” Screenshots circulated widely after the deletion, with many commenters calling the costume tone-deaf given Stewart’s estimated net worth of roughly $400 million and the ongoing homelessness crisis in the United States. Critics described the look as demeaning and out of touch.
Stewart has long promoted elaborate Halloween ideas through her media empire and has previously shared festive content with her large social media following. The episode marks a rare public misstep for the veteran television host and author, whose brand is built around polished lifestyle advice.
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