Lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart has issued a second, more forceful apology after facing backlash for a Halloween costume that appeared to mock homelessness. The 85-year-old television personality acknowledged on Sunday that her outfit was “insensitive and not funny,” and said she “really screwed up.”
The controversy began when Stewart posted a photo on Instagram showing her wearing torn clothing, with dirt smudged on her face, holding a sign that read, “I am hungry. Help me!” The image was quickly deleted, but not before it drew widespread criticism from social media users who saw it as trivializing the struggles of unhoused Americans.
In an initial statement to People magazine, Stewart said she intended the costume to raise awareness about homelessness, a cause she says she has long supported through charitable work. “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 said.
But the backlash continued, prompting Stewart to release a follow-up statement on her verified Instagram account. “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,” she wrote. “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 added.
The incident comes at a time when homelessness and economic inequality are pressing political issues, with many Americans struggling with rising costs. Stewart’s initial defense drew criticism for suggesting that the costume was meant as a “teaching moment,” a framing that many found tone-deaf.
Stewart, who has been called the country’s first self-made female billionaire, has a history of political commentary, including recent criticism of President Trump’s foreign policy decisions. Her apology on Sunday was notably more direct than her first, with observers noting the shift in tone.
Representatives for Stewart did not respond to requests for further comment. The deleted Instagram post remains unavailable, but the episode has sparked broader discussions about celebrity Halloween costumes and the line between satire and insensitivity.
This is not the first time a Halloween costume has sparked national controversy; earlier this year, retailers faced backlash over culturally insensitive options, and some have been pulled from shelves. The broader cultural moment has made many public figures more cautious about their holiday choices.
Stewart’s apology, while accepted by some, has left others questioning whether her initial response was sincere. The episode underscores the challenges public figures face in balancing humor with social responsibility.
