Martha Stewart says her Halloween costume was meant to draw attention to homelessness, not offend anyone. The 85-year-old businesswoman and TV personality faced criticism after posting a photo of herself in torn jeans and a worn button-down shirt, holding a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!”
The image appeared in an Instagram post promoting her QVC candles. Stewart later deleted the post as critical comments began to pile up.
In a statement, Stewart said she has spent decades sharing Halloween recipes, crafts and entertaining ideas. She said she was upset that the costume had offended people, adding that this was never her intention.
Stewart explained that she hoped to bring more awareness to homelessness, which she called one of the country’s most serious and ongoing challenges. She also said she cares deeply about the issue and has devoted time and effort to supporting organizations that address it.
Her explanation did little to quiet the criticism. Some people called the costume tasteless and said dressing up as someone experiencing poverty was inappropriate. Others felt her response sounded like an excuse and wanted her to simply apologize.
There were defenders, too. Some said people were taking a Halloween costume too seriously, while others described it as a joke and urged critics to leave Stewart alone.
