Entertainment · November 1, 2026
Martha Stewart 'Distressed' by Backlash to Her Homeless Halloween Costume
Martha Stewart issued a public apology after receiving social media backlash for a Halloween costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness. The lifestyle mogul posted an Instagram photo on Saturday, November 1, 2026, showing herself in tattered clothing and dirt-inspired makeup while holding a sign that read, 'I Am Hungry Help Me!!'. The photo, which was part of a promotional post for her QVC candle line, was deleted shortly after being posted. In a statement to Page Six and People, Stewart expressed that she was 'distressed' by the reaction, asserting that the costume was intended to raise awareness for the crisis of homelessness rather than mock it.
Read the original coverage
- Rolling StoneMainstream
Martha Stewart 'Distressed' by Backlash to Her Homeless Halloween Costume
Read at Rolling Stone ↗ - VarietyTrade
Martha Stewart Responds to Halloween Costume Backlash: ‘Homelessness’ Is ‘Something That I Care Deeply About’
Read at Variety ↗ - E! NewsCelebrity
"Distressed" Martha Stewart Speaks Out After Homeless Person Halloween Costume Causes Backlash
Read at E! News ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Martha Stewart dressed as a homeless person for Halloween.
- The costume included torn or tattered clothing and dirt-inspired makeup on her face.
- She held a sign or clipboard that read 'I Am Hungry Help Me!!'.
- The photo was posted to Instagram and later deleted following online backlash.
- Stewart released a statement saying she was 'distressed' by the offense caused.
- She stated her intention was to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness.
Reported by only some outlets
- Rolling Stone and E! News noted she was pictured standing with two dogs.
- Rolling Stone and E! News reported the photo was part of a promotional post for her QVC candle line.
- E! News noted her age as 85 years old.
- Rolling Stone and Variety identified her statement source as Page Six, while E! News attributed it to People.
Confirmed
- Martha Stewart dressed as a homeless person for Halloween 2026.
- The costume featured tattered clothes, dirt makeup, and a sign asking for food/help.
- The image was deleted from Instagram following negative public reception.
- Stewart issued a statement expressing distress and claiming her goal was awareness.
Reported
- The photo was part of a carousel of photos tied to a line of QVC candles. (Rolling Stone)
- Stewart has spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween. (E! News)
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