Lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart has issued a public apology after facing significant backlash over a Halloween costume depicting homelessness. The 85-year-old deleted the original Instagram post and acknowledged the misstep in a statement released on Sunday, saying she had "really screwed up" with her choice of attire.
This story was first reported by BBC News.
According to BBC News, Stewart initially posted a photograph showing herself wearing torn clothing and dirt on her face while holding a sign reading "I am hungry help me!!" The image was captioned with a reference to her QVC candle line, which drew immediate criticism from social media users and public figures.
In her first response, Stewart stated 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." However, she quickly recognized this explanation was insufficient and released a more comprehensive apology.
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.
According to People magazine, Stewart's initial statement also emphasized that she had devoted considerable time and resources to supporting organizations working to combat homelessness, and she reaffirmed her commitment to making a positive difference in addressing the issue.
How did the public respond?
The costume generated swift and harsh reactions across social media platforms. PR expert Molly McPherson characterized the outfit as problematic, writing that the "sartorial take on a homeless person is a lot. Insulting? Demeaning? Confusing? All of the above."
Social media users questioned Stewart's judgment, with one asking: "Why in the hell would you even think about wearing that as a costume?" Another commenter expressed bewilderment, writing: "Why would she do that? Who did she think would find that funny? Billionaires?"
The deleted Instagram photo, which The News Tribune reported showed Stewart alongside two dogs—a reddish-brown chow chow and a small black French bulldog—became a focal point of the controversy as the image circulated widely before removal.
Who is Martha Stewart?
Stewart built her career as a pioneering lifestyle influencer, launching a catering business during the 1970s before achieving widespread recognition in the 1990s when she established Martha Stewart Living magazine. Her media enterprise, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, went public in 1999 and briefly made her a billionaire.
Her trajectory was interrupted in 2004 when she served five months in prison following a conviction on charges related to an insider trading scandal. Since then, she has worked to rehabilitate her public image through various ventures, including a reality television program, expanded food product lines, and a collaborative television series with rapper Snoop Dogg.
In 2015, Stewart sold Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia for more than $350 million, marking a significant milestone in her business career.
