Martha Stewart sorry for ‘insensitive’ homeless Halloween costume post on social media

American lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has apologised for an “insensitive and not funny” Halloween costume after she appeared to dress up as a homeless person.

“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,” the billionaire, 85, wrote on Instagram after she deleted a photo of herself in ripped jeans, a torn jumper and a dirtied face.

Stewart also held a clipboard that read “I Am Hungry Help Me!!” Social media users quickly slammed her as out of touch.

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

She also acknowledged that an earlier explanation to US media, claiming she had intended to raise awareness of homelessness through her costume, “didn’t go far enough”.

Stewart built her success in the homemaking and lifestyle industries.

Through her cookbooks, magazines, television shows and retail housewares, Stewart became the personification of gracious living and America’s most high-profile lifestyle expert.