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Entertainment · November 1, 2026

Martha Stewart Breaks Silence After Halloween Costume Backlash

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Martha Stewart addressed public criticism on Sunday following a Halloween costume that depicted a person experiencing homelessness. The costume, which featured Stewart in tattered clothing and dirt-smudged makeup holding a sign reading 'I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!', was originally part of an Instagram carousel promoting her QVC candle collection. After removing the post due to social media backlash that characterized the outfit as mocking the poor, Stewart issued a statement expressing distress that her intention to raise awareness for the 'serious subject of homelessness' had caused offense. She maintained that the issue remains one of America's greatest crises and one she has supported through charitable work.

Read the original coverage

Reported by multiple outlets

  • Martha Stewart wore a Halloween costume depicting a hungry, homeless person.
  • The costume included tattered or distressed clothing and a sign that read, 'I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!'
  • The photo was posted to Instagram as part of a carousel promoting Stewart's QVC candle collection.
  • Stewart deleted the post following public backlash.
  • Stewart released a statement saying the costume was intended to 'bring more awareness' to homelessness.
  • Stewart stated she was 'distressed' that the costume had offended people.

Reported by only some outlets

  • NBC News reported some critics described the costume as 'out of touch' and 'dystopian.'
  • Fox News noted Stewart's age as 85.
  • The New York Post highlighted that Stewart described Halloween as 'one of [her] favorite holidays' and noted her decades of teaching others how to celebrate it.

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