Martha Stewart deletes homeless costume photo after backlash

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 1 Nov, 23:14 · Archive

Martha Stewart shared and deleted a Halloween costume photo showing her dressed as a homeless person, sparking criticism online.

Martha Stewart, 85, posted a Halloween photo showing herself in tattered clothing with dirt smeared on her face, holding a sign reading 'I AM HUNGRY HELP ME'. The image was part of an Instagram carousel promoting candles she sells on QVC. She captioned the post 'My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!' but deleted the photo after receiving criticism.

Social media users captured screenshots before deletion and shared them on Reddit, where critics branded the costume 'offensive', 'gross' and 'out of touch'. Several commenters took issue with Stewart, who has an estimated net worth of $400 million, appearing to mock people struggling with poverty.

Stewart addressed the controversy in a statement to Page Six. '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. She described homelessness as 'one of America's greatest challenges and ongoing crises', adding that she 'care[s] deeply about' the issue and has 'spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic'. Despite her explanation, criticism continued online, with some describing the costume as tasteless.

How it is being reported

• Martha Stewart addresses backlash after dressing as homeless person for HalloweenMartha Stewart says her deleted homeless Halloween costume was meant to bring awareness, but the backlash and online criticism only intensified.Fox News · 1 Nov, 21:46
• Martha Stewart addresses backlash over homeless Halloween costume — but stops short of apologizingThe businesswoman faced backlash after she dressed up as a homeless person for Halloween.New York Post · 1 Nov, 17:31
• Martha Stewart deletes ‘offensive’ Halloween costume photo after being accused of mocking homeless peopleStewart shared — and quickly deleted — a photo of herself wearing tattered clothing, with dirt smeared across her face, while holding a sign begging for food.New York Post · 1 Nov, 15:03

In this story: Martha Stewart · QVC · Reddit · Page Six · Instagram

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