Martha Stewart has apologized after a Halloween photo showing her dressed as a homeless person prompted widespread criticism on social media.
In a statement posted Sunday, the lifestyle entrepreneur acknowledged that the costume was “insensitive and not funny.”
“It’s difficult to acknowledge when you have truly made a serious mistake,” Stewart wrote in a message shared on Instagram and signed “Martha.” “My first response was not enough. I understand that many people are facing economic hardship. The costume I wore was insensitive and not funny. I am deeply sorry.”
Stewart was recognized in August by Forbes as one of its 250 greatest self-made Americans. She has built a wide-ranging media business and developed numerous brands around her expertise in lifestyle, cooking and entertaining.
According to an online screengrab, the now-deleted image showed Stewart in a worn sweater and jeans, with makeup smeared across her face. She was holding a sign that read, “I am hungry. Help me.”
Following the backlash, Stewart initially told the New York Post’s Page Six that the outfit was meant to draw attention to the serious issue of homelessness.
“I am upset that my Halloween costume yesterday, which was intended to raise awareness about the very serious issue of homelessness, offended people,” Stewart said in her initial response. “That was never my intention.”
She added that homelessness remains “one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises,” saying she cares deeply about the issue and has devoted considerable time and resources to charities working to address it.
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The 85-year-old television personality later shared her second apology on Instagram, where followers responded with a mix of support and criticism.
“There are more people upset about your costume than there are people willing to actually help homeless people,” one commenter wrote.
Another commenter said the image only highlighted “how disconnected wealthy people are from the majority of the population.”
ABC News has contacted a representative for Stewart seeking additional comment.
More than 745,000 people experienced homelessness in the United States during a single night in January 2025, according to the 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released the report in May.
The agency reported that homelessness nationwide rose 27% between 2013 and 2025. During that period, unsheltered homelessness, which includes people living on the streets, increased by 36%.
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