Martha Stewart Faces Backlash Over Homeless Person Halloween Costume

Martha Stewart deleted an Instagram post showing her dressed as a homeless person for Halloween after online critics accused her of mocking the poor and dismissed the outfit as offensive.

The 85-year-old lifestyle mogul shared the photograph on Saturday as part of a social media carousel promoting scented candles sold on QVC.

In the image, she wore tattered clothing with artificial dirt smeared on her face and held a clipboard that displayed a handwritten plea for food.

Social media users quickly saved screenshots of the deleted post and shared them across various platforms, including Reddit.

Critics focused heavily on her substantial wealth, which is estimated to be $400 million, during a period of widespread economic strain for many families.

The incident drew fresh attention to the ethics of wealthy public figures using systemic social issues as novelty costume concepts.

Martha Stewart addressed the controversy on Sunday through an official statement provided to news organizations.

“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,” said Martha Stewart.

She added that she cares deeply about the issue and has spent significant time supporting charities that fight against the crisis.

“I am committed to continuing to make a difference,” said Stewart.

TMZ reported that the initial post was scrubbed shortly after publication following a wave of negative comments from users.

GB News reported that a similar promotional image may have remained visible on her Facebook page as of Sunday.

NBC News noted that several other public figures also faced harsh online criticism over controversial family costumes during the same weekend.

Representatives for the media personality have not indicated whether she will issue any further public statements regarding the backlash.