Martha Stewart Deletes Halloween Costume Photo After Backlash Over ‘Hungry’ Poor Person Look

Martha Stewart has apologised after a Halloween costume photograph portraying her as a homeless person sparked criticism online, with many accusing the lifestyle mogul of making light of poverty and hunger.

The 85-year-old shared the photograph on Instagram on Saturday, October 31. She wore ripped, worn-looking clothes, a beanie and makeup that made her face appear dirty. She also held a brown clipboard with the handwritten message, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!”

The photograph appeared alongside images promoting Stewart’s Halloween candles sold through QVC. She captioned the post, “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!”

Photo: Instagram/@Martha Stewart

However, the costume quickly became the focus of the post, with critics questioning the decision to portray someone experiencing homelessness as a Halloween character. Some considered the look insensitive, particularly because hunger and homelessness are serious issues affecting people across the United States.

Stewart subsequently deleted the photograph as criticism continued to spread. Screenshots of the original post circulated online, keeping the controversy in public discussion even after the image was removed.

Stewart initially defended her intentions in a statement to Page Six on Sunday, November 1, saying she had hoped to draw attention to homelessness rather than offend anyone.

“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.

Photo: Backgrid

She went on to describe homelessness as one of America’s greatest ongoing challenges, adding that she cared deeply about the issue and had spent considerable time supporting charities working to address it.

“I am committed to continuing to make a difference,” she added.

Her explanation did not end the criticism. Some people argued that focusing on her intentions did not address why turning the experiences of people without homes into a costume was inappropriate.

Photo: Getty Images

The reaction also continued under an unrelated Instagram post featuring Stewart preparing chicken and dumplings. Some commenters used the opportunity to question her costume choice and the decision to remove the photograph.

Hours after her initial statement, Stewart returned to Instagram with a more direct apology, acknowledging that her first response had not adequately addressed the situation.

“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough,” she wrote.

She continued, “I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I’m very sorry.”

Photo: Getty Images

The second statement was a clearer acknowledgement of the criticism, with Stewart accepting that the costume was inappropriate despite her stated intention to raise awareness.

The incident has also drawn attention to her history of Halloween celebrations. Stewart has regularly shared seasonal recipes, decorations and costume ideas with her audience. In 2024, the editors of Martha Stewart Living named her Queen of Halloween, a title she celebrated while discussing her enthusiasm for creating costumes.

Her latest Halloween appearance, however, became controversial for reasons beyond the costume itself. What she described as an attempt to highlight homelessness prompted questions about how people experiencing poverty are represented, particularly when their circumstances are used as entertainment.