Martha Stewart has responded to criticism over her Halloween costume, which portrayed a person experiencing homelessness.
The lifestyle entrepreneur, who later removed the image, said in a statement to Page Six on Sunday that she was saddened the costume had caused offense. “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.
Stewart added that homelessness remains “one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises.” She said the issue is deeply important to her and pointed to the considerable time and resources she has devoted to charities working to address it.
She also emphasized that she remains “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Stewart described Halloween as one of her favorite times of the year, noting that she has spent decades helping audiences celebrate through festive recipes, creative craft projects and entertaining advice.
Her statement came after she posted a photograph of herself in torn clothing, with dirt smeared across her face, before deleting the image.
In the picture, Stewart held a sign bearing the message, “I am hungry. Help me.”
The controversial image appeared among a series of photographs promoting candles from the lifestyle brand associated with the television personality.
The post drew sharp reactions on Reddit, where multiple users criticized the idea. One described the costume as “offensive” and “out of touch.”
Stewart’s Halloween celebrations also included a throwback image of herself dressed as a ghostly horsewoman in 2009.
The collection featured additional costume memories, including her appearance as a surfer at Bette Midler’s 1998 Hulaween gala and a comic book-inspired character from 2017.
Earlier in the month, Stewart shared another Halloween-themed Instagram post showing herself in a dark wig and costume while preparing white chocolate ghosts.
She also posted a video montage highlighting years of Halloween costumes, cooking projects and crafts. “When someone asks if I like Halloween,” she wrote in the caption.
Her seasonal content included several dessert ideas for followers, among them an ice cream pie decorated with a spooky graveyard theme.
Stewart has also previously attracted attention for marking Halloween alongside her longtime friend and collaborator, Snoop Dogg.