Martha Stewart Issues Second Apology After Homeless Costume Backlash
“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,” Martha Stewart said in a statement reported by Page Six. The lifestyle mogul faced widespread online criticism over the weekend after sharing a since-deleted Instagram post featuring her dressed as a homeless person while promoting a line of QVC candles. Official data indicates that more than 700,000 people experience homelessness in the United States.
Instagram Post and Immediate Social Media Outrage
The controversy began when the entrepreneur and author published an image in an Instagram carousel wearing ripped jeans, a torn sweater, and a black hat with dark makeup smeared across her face. Social media users quickly condemned the display. Stewart removed the photograph shortly after the backlash mounted.
First Statement and Defense of Intentions
Following the deletion of the post, Stewart issued an initial statement defending the concept behind the outfit. She told Page Six that she cares deeply about the ongoing crisis of homelessness and has spent years supporting charities that combat the issue. She described Halloween as one of her favorite holidays of the year, noting that she has spent decades teaching festive recipes and crafting tips.
Second Apology on Instagram
Later on November 1, Stewart followed up with a second statement published directly to her Instagram story, acknowledging that her previous remarks did not go far enough. “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,” she wrote, as reported by TODAY.com. “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.” The second apology drew mixed reactions from followers, with some thanking her for taking direct accountability and others demanding she dedicate time to food banks or community kitchens to better understand economic hardship.
Broader Halloween Controversies of 2026
The incident marks the second major Halloween costume controversy to draw public scrutiny. In August, Target issued an apology and pulled a circus clown costume from its shelves after critics pointed out that the design evoked historical Blackface and minstrel show caricatures, according to reports by CNN. Retailers and public figures alike continue to face heightened digital accountability regarding cultural and socioeconomic sensitivity in holiday apparel.
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