Martha Stewart has responded to criticism of a Halloween costume that appeared to portray a homeless person, saying she had hoped to draw attention to homelessness. In a statement to People, the lifestyle personality and media mogul said she was distressed that the costume had offended people and that causing offense had never been her intention.
The response followed the removal of a photograph from Instagram. According to TMZ, the image showed Stewart wearing torn clothing, with dirt on her face, and carrying a clipboard bearing a message asking for food and help. The photograph was posted and then quickly deleted, but screenshots subsequently circulated on social media.
TMZ reported that the photograph appeared in an Instagram carousel promoting candles Stewart sells through QVC. The caption advertised the candles as suitable for Halloween. The promotional post thus became the setting for the costume image that prompted criticism, with social media users objecting to its apparent depiction of homelessness.
In explaining her intentions to People, Stewart referred to her long association with Halloween celebrations. She described decades of helping others mark the holiday through recipes, craft projects and advice on entertaining and hosting. She also called Halloween one of her favorite holidays of the year before addressing the reaction to her costume.
Stewart said the costume had been intended to bring greater awareness to what she described as the serious issue of homelessness. She acknowledged that people had been offended by the portrayal, saying that outcome was “never my intention.” Her statement presented awareness of homelessness as the purpose behind the costume.
She also described homelessness as one of America's greatest challenges and an ongoing crisis. Stewart said she cared deeply about the issue and had devoted considerable time and effort to supporting charities working to combat it. “I am committed to continuing to make a difference,” she told People.
The criticism included posts on X accusing Stewart of being insensitive and disconnected from the issue. Another social media response objected to treating homelessness as a subject for mockery or humor. Those reactions followed the circulation of screenshots of the deleted photograph.
The Hollywood Reporter also contacted Stewart's representative for comment.
