Halloween dispute: Martha Stewart revises apology

Martha Stewart issued a second apology on Sunday after her initial defense of a Halloween costume drew sharp criticism from consumers and social media users. The 85-year-old entrepreneur admitted her portrayal of a homeless individual was 'insensitive and not funny,' marking a shift from her earlier claim that the look was meant to raise awareness.

The original photo, which Stewart has since deleted, showed her wearing a tattered sweater and jeans. Her face featured smeared makeup, and she held a sign reading, 'I am hungry. Help me.' The image circulated widely online, prompting a debate about the appropriateness of wealthy figures using the experience of homelessness as a costume.

Stewart first addressed the backlash in a statement to the New York Post. She stated that her intention was to bring attention to a serious social issue. '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 wrote.

Her second statement, posted to her Instagram feed and signed 'Martha,' conceded that her first explanation fell short. 'It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,' Stewart 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.'

The mixed reaction from followers persisted even after the revised apology. One commenter noted that more people were angry at the costume than actually helping homeless people. Another suggested the incident highlighted the disconnect between the wealthy and the general population. ABC News has reached out to a representative for Stewart for further comment.

Stewart, who was named one of Forbes’ 250 greatest self-made Americans in August, has built a media empire around her lifestyle and entertaining expertise. The controversy coincides with rising national concerns about housing insecurity. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicates that 745,000 people were homeless in the United States on a single night in January 2025.

The department's 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report shows that homelessness in the U.S. increased by 27% between 2013 and 2025. During that same period, unsheltered homelessness, defined as individuals living on the street, rose by 36%.