Martha Stewart Breaks Silence After Backlash Over 'Crass' Homeless Halloween Costume: 'I Am Distressed'
Martha Stewart spoke out after her controversial homeless Halloween costume sparked backlash.
Nov. 1 2026, Published 4:40 p.m. ET
Martha Stewart defended her controversial Halloween costume after facing fierce criticism for dressing up as a homeless person, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The 85-year-old businesswoman has since deleted the photo that sparked the uproar and addressed the backlash in a statement.
Martha Stewart Explains Her Halloween Costume
Martha Stewart faced criticism after dressing up as a homeless person for Halloween.
In a statement on November 1, Stewart said she was upset that her costume had offended people, despite her intentions.
"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 explained.
"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," Stewart added.
Martha Stewart deleted the controversial Instagram photo after receiving backlash.
Controversial Costume Sparks Outrage
Martha Stewart wore ripped jeans, a flannel, a sweater, and black hat.
The backlash began after Stewart uploaded a photograph of herself wearing ripped jeans, a flannel shirt, a long cardigan, and a black hat.
She also appeared to have dirt-like makeup on her face that made her look dirty.
She completed the look with a sign reading, "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!"
The image was removed from her account after attracting criticism.
'This Is Insane'
Critics were shocked by the costume on social media.
Social media users were quick to question why Stewart thought portraying someone experiencing homelessness was an appropriate choice for Halloween.
"What the h--- was she thinking?" one person wrote.
"Why would she think homelessness could be a Halloween costume?" another questioned.
"W--? My jaw dropped. Tax the rich now. This is insane," a third critic fumed.
Another added, "She could've raised awareness without the costume."
"Out-of-touch billionaire behavior strikes again," a user shared.
Someone else said, "How the f--- does that bring awareness? She deleted it immediately, like...clearly she knew it wasn't okay to do that."
"She could've done that stunt any time of the year but decided to use people's real-life misfortune as a Halloween costume, what????" a comment read.
"Wow! Is that supposed to be funny?" another person asked, while a separate critic described the look as "crass."
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Martha Stewart Defends Her Charitable Work
Martha Stewart said she has supported charities that combat homelessness.
Stewart maintained that homelessness is a cause she has supported for years.
"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," she said.
"I am committed to continuing to make a difference," Stewart concluded.
