Martha Stewart has said she is “distressed” that her Halloween costume, which portrayed a homeless person, offended people, insisting that it was intended to raise awareness of homelessness.
The businesswoman said she had spent decades helping others celebrate Halloween through recipes, craft ideas and advice on entertaining and hosting.
“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 said.
She added that homelessness remained “one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises” and said it was an issue she cared deeply about.
Stewart also said she had spent significant time and effort supporting charities that combat homelessness, adding that she was “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
The controversy followed an Instagram carousel in which Stewart shared a photograph of herself wearing tattered clothes and holding a sign reading: “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!” The post was intended to promote QVC candles.
Several followers took screenshots of the image before it was removed, prompting social media users to criticise the Martha Stewart Halloween costume.
