Martha Stewart is addressing backlash from fans over her controversial Halloween costume.
The lifestyle mogul drew widespread criticism on Oct. 31 when she shared an image of herself seemingly dressed as a person experiencing homelessness. The now-deleted photo – since reshared by outlets like Page Six and TMZ – showed Stewart posing in torn jeans, a cream cardigan and a black knit cap.
The entrepreneur also holds up a handwritten cardboard sign in the picture reading, "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" as two of her dogs – a large, reddish-brown chow chow and a small black Frenchie – sit at her feet.
The image, according to TMZ, was initially shared as part of an Instagram carousel Stewart shared to promote her QVC candles for the spooky holiday.
Why Martha Stewart's Halloween costume sparked outrage
As swiftly
as it was taken down, online users reposted the snap on various social media platforms and voiced their disappointment in Stewart, whom many accused of mocking people who are unhoused. "Super rich people making fun of poor people will never be a gag," @buffys wrote on X.
"Martha Stewart is worth an estimated $400 MILLION, yet thought dressing as a homeless person for Halloween was funny. It makes you wonder how these wealthy elites really view the rest of us," X user @GeriPerna wrote.
"As someone who experienced homelessness for years, I can tell you there's absolutely nothing funny about this,@guyfelicellawrote on X. "Go figure. Another multimillionaire mocking and punching down on people experiencing homelessness."
How Martha Stewart responded to Halloween costume backlash
The homemaking expert finally broke her silence on the outrage Nov. 1, telling People magazine that she only meant to "bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness." She also said she now feels "distressed" that her costume had "offended" people.
"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," the Emmy-winning TV host added.
"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," the gardening pro said.
“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," the former model wrote. "I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Stewart for comment.
Homelessness in the US as winter approaches
More than 745,000 people experienced homelessness in the United States on a single night in January 2025, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As temperatures drop heading into the holiday season, people living outdoors face a heightened risk of hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Martha Stewart's Halloween costume sparked backlash. Now she's responding
