Martha Stewart has released a statement after posting and then deleting a photo of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween.
The businesswoman and TV personality shared the photo on Instagram on Saturday, showing her dirty face, wearing ripped jeans and a torn sweater, and holding a blank clipboard that read “I’m hungry, help me!!” as he stood with two dogs outside a house.
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The photo was included in a carousel of photos related to its QVC candle line. The image quickly sparked backlash online and on social media, and was removed shortly after.
On Sunday, Stewart sent a statement to Page Six saying she was “distressed” by the reaction to the photo, adding that she was meant to raise awareness of the issue, not make fun of it.
“I’m sorry that my Halloween costume yesterday, which was intended to raise awareness about the very serious issue of homelessness, offended people, which was never my intention,” Stewart said.
“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest current challenges and crises, something I care deeply about and have devoted much time and effort to supporting charities combating this current social epidemic.” Stewart added that she is “determined to continue to make a difference.”
The situation hasn’t kept Stewart away from social media, as she was back on Instagram Sunday morning with a post about saffron.
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