Lifestyle entrepreneur and TV personality Martha Stewart faced backlash over a Halloween costume depicting a homeless person. She apologized after the post drew criticism online.
The 85-year-old shared a photograph of herself wearing ripped jeans, a dark hat and a cardigan, with makeup applied to make her face appear dirty. She was holding a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” The photo was part of an Instagram carousel promoting her candle collection on QVC.
The caption read, “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!” The post was later deleted after users criticized the costume. One user wrote, “Martha Stewart absolutely tone deaf and totally out of touch. Absolutely shameful.”
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Another commented, “Mocking homelessness is not okay or funny.”
Responding to the criticism, Stewart said the costume was intended to draw attention to homelessness, which she described as one of the country’s major ongoing challenges.
“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,” Stewart said.
“I have spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic,” she added.
However, her initial response did not convince many critics. They wanted her to acknowledge why the portrayal was offensive rather than focus on her intentions. Stewart later issued another statement, saying, “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up.”
Meanwhile, some users defended Stewart, describing the incident as an ill-judged Halloween costume and saying her apology should be accepted.
Stewart has long been known for her creative and elaborate Halloween celebrations, costumes and seasonal decorations. She shares festive recipes, craft ideas and entertaining tips with her audience and has described Halloween as one of her favorite holidays.
“I’ve spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas and giving tips on entertaining and hosting to make the most of one of my favorite holidays of the year,” she said.
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Stewart was not the only public figure to face criticism over a Halloween costume this year. Content creator McCall DaPron, who is set to appear in the upcoming “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Orange County” spinoff, also drew backlash over her family’s costumes.
For Halloween, DaPron dressed as Jacqueline Kennedy in the pink suit and pillbox hat she wore on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Her husband, Kirk, was dressed as the former president, while their children portrayed Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr. and two Secret Service agents. The caption of the now-deleted post read, “Happy Halloween 🩷The Kennedy’s.”