Entertainment · Celebrity · 48 mins ago
Martha Stewart Apologizes After Backlash Over Homelessness Halloween Costume
Martha Stewart deleted a Halloween photo of herself dressed as a homeless person after it drew backlash online.
The photo showed the TV personality wearing torn clothes and holding a sign asking for help.
Stewart said the costume was meant to raise awareness about homelessness, not to offend people or mock the issue.
She said she was distressed that people had been offended.
She described homelessness as a serious US crisis and said she has supported charities working to address it.
Stewart said she remains committed to making a difference, but gave no details about what she plans to do next.
Martha Stewart apologized after backlash over a Halloween costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness.
She said the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness and that offending people was never her intention.
The photo showed Stewart in distressed clothing holding a sign asking for food and help, and was posted in an Instagram carousel promoting her QVC candles.
Stewart deleted the photo after it drew criticism online.
She said homelessness was a cause she cares deeply about and that she has supported charities addressing it.
- Who
- Martha Stewart, an 85-year-old businesswoman and television personality.
- What
- She apologized after criticism of a Halloween costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness.
- When
- She issued a statement on Sunday, November 1, 2026; the photo was shared on Saturday.
- Where
- The photo was posted on Instagram.
- Why
- Stewart said the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness, but it offended people.
Critics of the costume
Defenders of the costume
Appropriateness
Critics of the costume
Critics said dressing as someone poor or in dire circumstances was tasteless and condescending.
Defenders of the costume
Defenders said people were taking a Halloween joke too seriously.
Stewart's explanation
Critics of the costume
Some critics rejected her claim that the costume was intended to raise awareness.
Defenders of the costume
Stewart said she meant to bring more awareness to homelessness.
Stewart shared a photo of her Halloween costume on Instagram in a carousel promoting her QVC candles.
Stewart deleted it after criticism appeared online.
Stewart issued a statement saying she was distressed that the costume had offended people and that she intended to raise awareness about homelessness.
- Age
- 85
- Platform
- Promotion
- QVC candles
- Sign text
- I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME
- Statement date
- November 1, 2026
8 sources
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What people are saying
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
Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises
Posts on X
Martha Stewart shared photo seemingly dressed up as a homeless person for Halloween. She has since deleted the post.