Martha Stewart has faced a wave of criticism after sharing a Halloween image that appeared to depict her dressed as a hungry homeless person.
The 85-year-old lifestyle personality posted a photo on Instagram showing herself in torn clothing, with dirt smeared across her face and a cardboard sign reading, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!”
The image appeared in a carousel promoting Stewart’s QVC holiday and Halloween candles, alongside the caption: “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!!!”
Stewart, whose wealth is estimated at $400 million, later removed the image. However, screenshots continued circulating online, with social media users describing the post as “disgusting,” “disappointing” and “tone-deaf.”
In a statement obtained by Our News Outlet, Stewart addressed the controversy, saying she never meant to offend anyone. She said her costume was intended to draw attention to “the very serious subject of homelessness.”
Although Stewart said she was “distressed” by the hurt caused by the costume, she did not issue a direct apology.
“I’ve spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting to make the most of one of my favorite holidays of the year,” she said in the statement.
Martha Stewart has sparked backlash after sharing a Halloween post that appeared to show her dressed as a hungry beggar
The photo was included in a carousel promoting her QVC holiday and Halloween candles. Above, Stewart looking glam on October 19 at an event in New York City
“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.
“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises, something that I care deeply about and I have spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic.
“I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Social media users quickly saved the image and reposted it across platforms including Reddit and X.
Many critics considered the costume especially insensitive because Stewart’s fortune is estimated at $400 million.
In 1999, she briefly became the first female self-made billionaire in the United States after her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, went public on the New York Stock Exchange.
Her fortune suffered a significant setback after insider trading charges led to a five-month prison sentence in 2004, followed by market fluctuations affecting her company.
According to Tasting Table, Stewart’s current wealth comes from real estate, book publishing, media ventures and brand partnerships.
The latest controversy follows another Halloween-related incident involving Stewart and Craig Melvin, who spilled chocolate ganache on her $3,000 designer white pants during a cooking segment on Today.
Stewart wore an all-white outfit similar to the ensemble she donned at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Melvin dressed as her close friend Snoop Dogg.
The apparent gag came off as especially insensitive given that Stewart is worth an estimated $400 million
For a time, she was the first female self-made billionaire in the US in 1999 when her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, went public on the New York Stock Exchange. Above, Stewart in 2007
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Stewart’s current wealth stems from real estate, book publications, media projects and brand partnerships. Above, Stewart on September 16
Carson Daly dressed as Choosin’ Texas singer Ella Langley, while Savannah Guthrie borrowed her costume from an NBC page for the show’s 100th anniversary Halloween celebration.
During the segment, Stewart demonstrated how to decorate a cheesecake with a chocolate ganache spider web. The cooking lesson quickly became chaotic when she struggled to locate the key ingredient.
“Uh oh. Somebody forgot the chocolate ganache,” Stewart said.
“Oh, there it is,” she added.
“It’s right here,” Melvin replied as he picked up the ganache and held it out to her.
The piping bag then began leaking chocolate onto Stewart’s designer trousers, and her dismay was immediately visible.
“Whoa!” they exclaimed together as Daly and Guthrie watched in apparent shock.
“Eeeeh! Snoop!” Stewart scolded Melvin, who appeared equally horrified. He tried to move out of her way and at one point even wandered off during the taping.
The media mogul’s latest scandal comes after she scolded Craig Melvin – dressed up as her best friend Snoop Dogg – for spilling chocolate ganache on her $3,000 designer white pants during a Halloween cooking segment on Today
The media mogul had to wear the chocolate-stained pants – and shoe – for the rest of the taping on October 30
“I’m so sorry, Martha,” Melvin said before covering his mouth with his hand.
“Good thing you’re best friends,” Daly joked.
“Real Snoop would never do that,” Stewart replied.
Earlier this month, Stewart also drew criticism after dismissing the idea of a conventional 9-to-5 job and work-life balance.
During a live appearance on the Richer Lives by SoFi podcast with financial expert Vivian Tu, Stewart described people seeking “balance” as “boring” and said they had “thick skulls.”
Asked how she manages her personal life alongside her extensive media and business empire, Stewart said work-life balance does not really exist.
“Just get that through your thick skulls. You can’t balance it, it doesn’t balance,” she said.
“This thing about balance, I don’t know who thought about that, but it just doesn’t work. Maybe infrequently, and I’m jealous of those people, but they’re all so boring,” Stewart continued.
“You’re gonna get divorced if you’re going to get divorced. You’re going to get married three times if you’re going to get married three times. It just doesn’t work out.”
