Mon, November 2, 2026 at 8:16 AM UTC
Martha Stewart faced backlash after one X user wrote, “People like her disgust me.” The lifestyle mogul, 85, dressed as someone experiencing homelessness for Halloween, carrying a sign asking for food. Her Instagram post also promoted candles, but she deleted it following criticism.
Martha Stewart sparks fan backlash after homelessness-themed Halloween costume
According to Page Six, Stewart’s deleted Instagram carousel promoted candles sold through QVC. The picture showed her in ripped jeans, a dark beanie, a flannel shirt, and a cardigan. Makeup resembling dirt was visible on her face.
Meanwhile, two dogs stood nearby as she held a sign reading, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” Afterward, screenshots circulated on X. One user asked, “how do you even think this is a good halloween costume in the first place…”
Another wrote, “not a single thought went thru her brain.” A third stated, “Cosplaying as the homeless is ultimately disturbing.. these are real people not some cosplay.”
Elsewhere, other X reactions focused on portraying financial hardship. One commenter asked, “Is she genuinely okay.” Another wrote, “Imagine people out there struggling and cannot afford food or shelter.” The same user accused her of mocking vulnerable people and called the attitude a “Repulsive and entitled mindset.”
Following the backlash, Stewart told Page Six that her portrayal was “intended to bring more awareness” to homelessness. She said she was “distressed” to have offended, insisting it “was never my intention.”
Furthermore, the businesswoman called the issue “one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises.” She said she had supported relevant charities and remained “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
However, the initial response stopped short of an explicit apology. Later on November 1, Martha Stewart posted another statement on Instagram, as She admitted she had “really screwed up” and that her “earlier statement didn’t go far enough.”
“Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,” she added. Separately, the TV host shared another Halloween look that week, appearing alongside Craig Melvin in an Olympics-inspired outfit. The two dressed up for “Today,” with Melvin portraying Stewart’s longtime friend Snoop Dogg.
