Lifestyle expert Martha Stewart has responded to the backlash over her Halloween costume, which followers claimed was insensitive to the homeless.
The 85-year-old TV personality was heavily criticized after sharing a photo of herself on Instagram on Saturday, October 31. The photo has since been deleted, but it shows Stewart disheveled, wearing tattered clothes and face makeup that looks like dirt while holding a sign that reads “I’m hungry, help me!!”
Martha Stewart shared a photo of what appeared to be a homeless person dressed up for Halloween.
She has since deleted the post. https://t.co/PzTX1BoDhK
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 1, 2026
Stewart said in an article statement The Sunday People magazine said her clothing was meant to bring “awareness to the very serious issue of homelessness” and was not meant to offend.
“I have spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween – sharing fun holiday recipes, offering unique craft ideas, and providing entertaining and entertaining tips to make the most of one of my favorite holidays of the year,” the statement read.
“I’m sad that my Halloween costume yesterday, which was meant to bring more awareness to the very serious issue of homelessness, offended people, which was never my intention,” she continued.
“Homelessness remains one of the greatest challenges and ongoing crises facing the United States, and it is an issue that is close to my heart and one that I spend a great deal of time and energy supporting charities fighting this ongoing social epidemic,” Stewart concluded. “I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
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If that wasn’t enough, Stewart took to Instagram on Sunday to apologize again.
“It’s hard to admit when you really messed up. My previous statement wasn’t enough,” she said release. “I know a lot of people are struggling financially. Wearing a costume like I did is insensitive and not funny. I’m sorry.”
Many of her fans objected to the multiple apologies and said everyone was being too sensitive about it.
“Girl! I dress like a hobo in 1981, I put Pepsi bottles in brown paper bags that look like booze, and I tie a bandana with a stick and put some clothes in it. There are bigger fish to fry in life. We love you,” one commenter said.
“I don’t get it. It’s a Halloween costume. Are we really going to get mad at someone over a costume? She obviously wasn’t trying to offend anyone. I feel like society has lost its sense of humor,” agreed another.
“You should dress like a prisoner. That would be fun,” another fan joked, referring to Stewart being a convicted felon who spent five months in federal prison.