Martha Stewart apologizes for homeless Halloween costume after 'awareness' defense backfires

Martha Stewart ended Halloween weekend with a full apology — her second statement in a single day — after a costume depicting a hungry homeless person drew a wave of online criticism that her initial 'awareness' explanation only intensified.

The trouble began when Stewart posted an Instagram carousel promoting her QVC candle collection. Tucked in as the third slide was a photo of herself in ripped jeans and a distressed button-down shirt, face made up to look dirty, holding a sign reading 'I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!' She posed with a tired expression. The post was removed shortly after it went up, but screenshots continued to circulate widely.

Critics called the costume 'out of touch' and 'dystopian,' with many arguing it mocked people living in poverty. On X and Reddit, the condemnation was direct. 'Definitely tasteless. Of all the things she could have done,' one person wrote on X. A second commenter was equally blunt: 'You NEVER dress up as someone poor, sick or in dire circumstances.'

Stewart's first response, a statement issued Sunday to NBC News and Page Six, framed the costume as well-intentioned.

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. 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.— Martha Stewart

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. I am committed to continuing to make a difference.— Martha Stewart

The 'awareness' framing did not land. One Reddit user urged Stewart to "just say that you're sorry and you didn't mean to upset anyone," adding that the costume "was just a poorly thought-out costume" and that "pretending that it was to raise awareness is just a very stupid lie." A second commenter was no more forgiving, writing that the explanation was "very lazy and condescending" and questioning whether Stewart really thought anyone would accept it, asking "OMG, that's the best she could come up with?"

Hours after that first statement, Stewart posted a second, more direct note to her Instagram grid.

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 Stewart

Not everyone joined the criticism. Some commenters argued the backlash was overblown. One person pushed back with "Gawd … people are way too sensitive!" Another called the costume 'in good fun' and wrote, 'Leave her the f— alone.' A third dismissed the uproar by saying people are "so thin-skinned" and noting that Halloween is meant for jokes.

Stewart was not the only public figure to face Halloween costume backlash over the weekend. McCall DaPron, a content creator set to appear in an upcoming 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' spinoff, posted — and later deleted — a family photo in which she wore the pink Chanel suit Jackie Kennedy had on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Her husband dressed as JFK, two children as Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., with two additional family members portraying Secret Service agents. Reddit users described the costume as 'gross' and 'disrespectful,' and representatives for DaPron had not replied to a request for comment by press time, according to NBC News. The reaction echoed criticism that actor and model Julia Fox received the previous year for wearing the same bloodstained suit as a costume, though Fox defended her choice as 'a statement, not a costume.'

Why it matters — The episode illustrates how quickly a deleted social media post can escalate — and how a damage-control statement that fails to fully acknowledge harm can deepen rather than defuse a public backlash.

Reported by variety.com, nbcnews.com, foxnews.com