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.

Filmmaker Michael Mann was taken to a Los Angeles hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a gun range on Saturday, October 31.

The 83-year-old director was practising target shooting at The Range LA, a members-only indoor shooting facility in West Los Angeles, when the incident occurred. According to reports, Mann was attempting to return his .45-caliber handgun to its holster when it accidentally discharged, striking him in the left thigh.

Police and paramedics responded to the scene at around 4 p.m. Mann was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he received medical attention. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers had investigated the incident and determined that the shooting was accidental. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Photo: Ap

Mann’s representative also addressed the incident in a statement, describing the injury as superficial.

“On Saturday, at a gun range, a weapon accidentally discharged while holstered resulting in a superficial injury to film director Michael Mann. He was treated and is being released,” the representative said.

The filmmaker has reportedly been an experienced target shooter for decades. Despite the accident, his representative indicated that he had received treatment and was expected to be released from the hospital.

Mann is best known for directing crime films such as Heat (1995), starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and Collateral (2004), which featured Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. His other directing credits include Thief (1981), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), The Insider (1999), Ali (2001) and Ferrari (2023).

Photo: AP

He also served as executive producer of the television series Miami Vice, which became a major part of his career, before directing its 2006 film adaptation.

Mann is currently developing Heat 2, a follow-up to his 1995 crime drama. The project is based on the 2022 novel he co-wrote with Meg Gardiner and is expected to begin filming in early 2027.

The accidental shooting comes as the veteran director continues to work on new projects. His representative has described his injury as superficial, with Mann receiving hospital treatment following the incident.

Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff are ending their marriage after three years together. The actor and Grammy-winning music producer jointly filed for divorce on Friday, October 30, 2026, several months after their separation became public.

According to PEOPLE, a source close to the couple confirmed that the filing was a mutual decision and that the divorce would be uncontested. Court records from Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, New York, list Qualley as the plaintiff and Antonoff as the defendant.

Despite their decision to end the marriage, the former couple reportedly remain on good terms. A source told PEOPLE that they “share a deep affinity and love for one another” and would “absolutely be lifelong friends.”

Photo: Getty Images

News of their separation emerged in July 2026, shortly before their third wedding anniversary. Speculation followed about the circumstances surrounding their breakup, including allegations of infidelity and trust issues. However, Qualley’s representative firmly denied the claims, describing the reports as untrue.

“The narratives running in the press about Margaret and Jack are categorically untrue. There are no trust issues. There was no infidelity or anything outside of respect and partnership in this relationship,” the representative told PEOPLE. The statement also emphasised that the former couple continued to share love and care for one another, while asking for privacy.

Qualley and Antonoff began dating in August 2021 and got engaged in 2022. They married in August 2023 at Parker’s Garage on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Their wedding was attended by several high-profile guests, including Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum.

Their relationship also found its way into Antonoff’s music. In May 2026, his band, Bleachers, released its fifth studio album, Everyone for Ten Minutes, which includes songs inspired by their relationship.

Photo: Getty Images 

In an October 25 interview with The Guardian, Antonoff discussed continuing to perform songs written about Qualley despite their separation. He revealed that he had considered changing the band’s setlist but ultimately decided to keep the tracks, explaining that he did not want to rewrite his past or distance himself from music he had created during happier moments in their relationship.

“I don’t rewrite the past, I have no shame about the things I’ve said,” he said, adding that he would rather experience something publicly than escape it privately. He also described performing the songs as a beautiful experience, despite the sadness attached to them.

Qualley, 32, is known for her performances in films including Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Substance. The daughter of actor Andie MacDowell, she has established herself across film and television.

Antonoff, 42, is a 14-time Grammy-winning songwriter and producer whose credits include collaborations with Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Carpenter. He is also the frontman of Bleachers.

The joint filing marks the formal end of their marriage following five years together, from the beginning of their relationship in 2021 to their separation earlier this year.