Martha Stewart apologizes again for Halloween homeless costume
The 85-year-old entrepreneur admitted her earlier defense was insufficient after a photo of her in a tattered sweater and smeared makeup drew widespread criticism.
By Natalie Cooper ·
Martha Stewart issued a second apology on Sunday after a Halloween costume depicting a homeless person triggered renewed criticism on social media. The businesswoman acknowledged that her initial response did not go far enough in addressing the public's reaction to the image.
In a post on her Instagram feed signed simply as 'Martha,' Stewart described her choice of attire as 'insensitive and not funny.' She admitted, 'It's hard to admit when you've really screwed up.' Stewart noted that she is aware many people are suffering economically and expressed that she is very sorry for the image she presented.
The controversy centers on a photograph Stewart posted and has since removed. The image showed the 85-year-old wearing a tattered sweater and jeans with smeared makeup on her face. She held a sign that read, 'I am hungry. Help me.' Screenshots of the post circulated widely online after users expressed offense.
Stewart first addressed the backlash by telling Page Six of the New York Post that the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness. She claimed at the time that the serious nature of the issue was the goal, not to offend. She also highlighted her long history of supporting charities that combat the social issue.
Her second statement on Instagram received a mixed reaction from followers. One commenter observed that more people appeared angry about the costume than motivated to help homeless individuals. Another follower wrote that the image illustrated how disconnected wealthy people are from the general population.
Stewart, who was named one of Forbes' 250 greatest self-made Americans in August, built a media empire around her lifestyle and entertainment expertise. ABC News reported that they had reached out to a representative for Stewart for further comment.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released the 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report in May. The data indicated that more than 745,000 people were homeless in the United States on a single night in January 2025. Homelessness in the country increased by 27 percent between 2013 and 2025, while unsheltered homelessness rose by 36 percent during that same period.
Source: WTVD
