Martha Stewart apologizes for controversial Halloween costume depicting homelessness
The media personality said she was distressed and issued an apology after criticism that her Halloween costume portraying a homeless person was insensitive.
Martha Stewart said she was “distressed” and “sorry” after a Halloween costume she posted on Instagram, in which she dressed as a homeless person, drew backlash on social media. The image, which showed Stewart in a black hat, distressed jeans, a cardigan and face markings while holding a sign that read “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!,” was accompanied by a caption promoting her candle collection.
Critics described the costume as tone-deaf and morally inappropriate, noting the seriousness of homelessness, which affects more than 700,000 people in the United States according to official data.
Stewart told Page Six that the outfit was intended to raise awareness of homelessness and expressed regret that it offended people. She added that she cares deeply about the issue and has supported related charities.
In an Instagram-story statement, Stewart wrote, “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.”
CNN was contacted for further comment. The incident follows other costume controversies earlier in the year, such as a Target product withdrawn after accusations of evoking blackface.