Martha Stewart says she ‘really messed up’ after dressing as a homeless person for Halloween | Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart has apologized after sharing an image of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween, sparking a backlash online.

The 85-year-old media personality, who is worth an estimated $400 million, shared a photo of herself on Instagram on Oct. 31, in which she had a dirty face and was wearing ripped jeans and a beanie while holding up a sign that read, “I’M HUNGRY, HELP ME!!.” The post promoted the Stewart candle line in the caption and two photos in the carousel.

Several commentators immediately criticized his decision. “Why do you think poor people dying on the side of the road are a costume?” one asked, while another wrote: “Read the play Martha, people are fighting here.” »

On Sunday, Stewart released a statement to media outlets, including Page Six and People magazine, explaining the costume, but did not apologize.

Her costume was “intended to raise awareness of the very serious issue of homelessness”, she claimed, adding that she was “distressed” that the costume “offended” people.

“I have spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween – sharing fun and festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and providing tips on entertaining and events to make the most of one of my favorite holidays of the year,” Stewart said.

“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.

“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and current crises, something I care deeply about and have devoted much time and effort to supporting charities that are combating this current social epidemic. I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”

Hours after releasing that statement, Stewart wrote a second statement on her Instagram in which she apologized.

“It’s hard to admit that we really screwed up. My previous statement doesn’t go far enough,” she wrote. “I know a lot of people are struggling economically. Wearing a suit like I did was insensitive and not funny. I’m so sorry.”

“I want to know the annual salary of everyone who agreed with this,” one commenter wrote. “I love Martha, but how did no one on her PR team tell her this wasn’t a good idea?” » asked another.

There are at least 770,000 homeless people in the United States, according to official figures, and hundreds of new bills criminalizing sleeping outdoors or lingering in public spaces have been passed since the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that such laws were constitutional.