Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart apologises over ‘homeless person’ Halloween costume

American lifestyle entrepreneur and television personality, Martha Stewart | NY Post

American lifestyle entrepreneur and television personality, Martha Stewart, has apologised after facing widespread criticism for dressing as a homeless person for Halloween.

The 85-year-old sparked controversy after sharing a photograph of herself in torn jeans, a black hat and makeup designed to make her face appear dirty, while holding a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!”

The photograph, which was shared on Instagram on October 31, was later deleted following criticism from social media users who accused her of making light of homelessness and poverty.

According to CNN in an updated Sunday report on Monday, Stewart initially said the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness, describing the “issue as one of America’s greatest challenges.”

In a statement to Page Six on Sunday, she said, “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 added that she cared deeply about homelessness and had spent considerable time and effort supporting charities working to address the crisis.

However, hours later, Stewart issued another statement on Instagram, acknowledging that her initial response had not gone far enough.

“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough.

“I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,” she wrote.

The controversy also attracted attention because the photograph appeared alongside promotional content for her QVC candle collection.

Several social media users criticised the costume, with one describing it as “grotesque, disgusting, morally bankrupt, incredibly wrong”, while another questioned the decision to portray homelessness as a Halloween costume.

Stewart, who built a lifestyle and business empire through television programmes, cookbooks, magazines and home products, is widely regarded as one of America’s most prominent lifestyle personalities.

She has authored more than 100 books and received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards during her career.