Martha Stewart sorry over homeless Halloween costume: 'Never my intention'

Martha Stewart's Halloween costume was meant to sell candles. Instead it sparked a wave of criticism the lifestyle guru is now trying to contain. A since-deleted Instagram photo showed her apparently dressed as a homeless person - a rare miss for a star who has spent decades turning Halloween into hosting content.

In the photo, captured before it was quickly taken down, Stewart wore ripped clothing with dirt smeared on her face and held a clipboard scrawled with the words "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!"

TMZ reported that the shot was part of an Instagram carousel promoting the candles Stewart sells on QVC, with a caption reading "My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!!!" Once screenshots started circulating, the criticism arrived fast.

"Martha Stewart absolutely tone deaf and totally out of touch. Absolutely shameful," one user wrote on X. Another said, "Mocking homelessness is not okay or funny." Stewart deleted the post, but the screenshots had already made their way around.

Stewart's response

In a statement to People, Stewart said she was "distressed" that the costume offended people and insisted she had meant to raise awareness about homelessness, not make light of it.

"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," 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."

Stewart went on: "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. I am committed to continuing to make a difference."

The Hollywood Reporter says it has reached out to Stewart's rep for comment.