Martha Stewart defends 'homeless' Halloween costume, says it was meant to 'raise awareness'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Martha Stewart’s Halloween post has landed her in hot water after her attention-grabbing costume sparked controversy online. The 85-year-old shared a picture of herself seemingly dressed as a person experiencing homelessness, but the post quickly drew widespread attention and criticism.
As the backlash grew, Stewart took down the photo and clarified that she had no intention of offending anyone about homelessness. During a recent interview, she also shared her thoughts on the controversy. However, the deleted post and her Halloween costume continue to draw online criticism.
Martha Stewart removes Halloween photo as criticism pours in
Stewart reportedly shared the picture on Instagram on Saturday, October 31, as part of a carousel promoting her QVC candle collection. In the now-deleted image, she wore ripped, worn-out clothes and makeup designed to make her face look dirty. She also held a clipboard bearing the words, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!”
The caption read, “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!” But the post soon drew criticism, with social media users questioning how homelessness had become a Halloween costume. The photo was taken down after the backlash, but screenshots continued to circulate online, keeping the controversy alive.
Martha Stewart apologizes for dressing up as a homeless person for Halloween: “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough. I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry. - Martha”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 2, 2026
On Saturday, Stewart also gave her followers a glimpse of her Halloween decorations, sharing pictures of her festively decorated yard with the caption, “Halloween night. Waiting for those who trick or treat!”
Now she shared a maple cake and called it classic: "If you’re looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, this is one autumnal confection that will wow the crowd."
Martha Stewart says she 'cares deeply' about homelessness
With the criticism gaining attention, Stewart defended the idea behind her costume, saying she had hoped to bring attention to homelessness rather than mock those affected by it.
“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,” she said in a statement to Page Six.
She also stressed that homelessness remained an issue she cared deeply about, pointing to the time and effort she had spent supporting charities working to address it.
“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises, something that I care deeply about and I have spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic,” Stewart noted.
The businesswoman also shared that she remains “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
