Martha Stewart apologizes to Craig Melvin for Halloween costume remarks

Martha Stewart, 85, appeared on the "Today" show on Friday to apologize to host Craig Melvin for a joke she made about a chocolate spill that she said forced a last-minute change to her Halloween costume. Stewart explained that the comment was made in jest and that she never intended to offend anyone.

"I was making a joke, I was giving a talk and I just made a joke that you had spilled chocolate on me and I couldn’t wear that costume," Stewart said.

Melvin said he was surprised to be drawn into the controversy, noting that he had already apologized for the spill that occurred during a live segment on Oct. 30. Stewart added that the spill was not his fault and that she herself was responsible for the misstep.

"It wasn’t your fault about the chocolate. I made a mistake. I was stupid. I’m so sorry and I hope that my followers and my fans and the rest of America forgives me," she said.

Stewart also addressed the broader issue of homelessness, stating she was not mocking the problem and expressing hope that "our new administration takes big steps to repair a lot of the damage" affecting the poor and hungry. She said she first realized the costume was tone-deaf after her grandson called it that.

The controversy began after Stewart posted, then deleted, an Instagram photo of herself in tattered clothing holding a sign that read "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!" The image was widely criticized as offensive and out of touch. In a statement released after the photo’s removal, Stewart said the costume was intended to raise awareness of homelessness and noted her long-standing charitable work on the issue.