Martha Stewart has issued a second apology after facing backlash over her Halloween costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness. The 85-year-old addressed the criticism in a screenshot of a Notes app statement shared on Instagram on Sunday, 1 November. 'It's hard to admit when you've really screwed up. My earlier statement didn't go far enough,' she wrote.
'I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,' Stewart added. Her latest statement came after she faced further criticism for defending her original costume.
Martha Stewart Faces Backlash Over Homeless Halloween Costume
The second apology came hours after Stewart initially addressed the controversy in a statement to Page Six. She insisted that her costume was intended to raise awareness of homelessness rather than mock those experiencing it.
Martha Stewart apologizes for her Halloween costume on her IG. She released a statement earlier today claiming her costume was “intended to bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness”
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'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. Stewart also described homelessness as one of America's greatest ongoing challenges, saying she had spent considerable time and effort supporting charities working to combat the crisis.
She added that she remained committed to making a difference. However, her initial response did not explicitly apologise for wearing the costume, prompting further criticism.
Stewart subsequently faced further backlash after defending her decision in the comments section of a Just Jared Instagram post. 'My costume was designed to bring the homeless and the hungry to everyone's mind and boy it certainly did!!! But not in the correct way, because I did not explain it and I am so sorry I care and I support causes who care. Do all of you???' she wrote.
The controversy began after Stewart shared a now-deleted Instagram photo of herself wearing ripped clothing, a beanie, and make-up designed to make her face look dirty. She completed the look with a sign reading, 'I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!'
Martha Stewart’s now deleted instagram post of her Halloween costume. Wondering if Daisy did her makeup.
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The image appeared in a carousel promoting her QVC candle collection, accompanied by the caption, 'My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!!!' The combination of the costume and promotional post drew criticism from social media users, with some accusing the businesswoman of making light of poverty and the struggles of people experiencing homelessness.
Indya Moore Calls Out Martha Stewart's Initial Response
Actor Indya Moore also weighed in on the controversy, questioning Stewart's explanation that the costume was intended to raise awareness of homelessness. In a lengthy response to the Just Jared Instagram post, the Pose star argued that Halloween was not an appropriate occasion to dress up as a member of a vulnerable group to draw attention to their struggles.
Moore also questioned whether Stewart was genuinely apologising for wearing the costume or simply for failing to explain its supposed message. The actor argued that an apology should involve more than explaining one's intentions, calling for more active support for people affected by poverty.
Martha Stewart's 'homeless person' Halloween costume is slammed by transgender Pose star Indya Moore https://t.co/DWr9WFDPxN
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) November 2, 2026
Moore further criticised Stewart for turning the issue back on her followers by asking whether they supported charities addressing homelessness. The actor argued that many of those questioning the costume were considerably closer to experiencing poverty than the multimillionaire businesswoman.
Fans Remain Divided Over Martha Stewart's Apology
Stewart's second apology also received mixed reactions, with some followers accepting her explanation while others questioned her judgement. 'Hundreds of people on your professional team, as well as countless friends... no one warned you? And then to post this notes app statement withdrawal. I mean I'll always love ya girl but whew,' one commenter wrote, according to Parade.
Another person pointed out the financial struggles many people face, writing, 'More of us are one step away from having to beg for food to feed our children than you could possibly imagine.' A third critic described the costume as reflecting an 'utter disconnect' from the desperation and suffering experienced by unhoused and hungry people.
Others, however, defended Stewart, arguing that the costume was not intended to cause harm. 'Don't worry about it Martha. We all love you. We know you didn't mean anything by it,' one supporter commented.
Another questioned the backlash, asking, 'I don't get it. It's a Halloween costume. Are we really going to rake someone over the coals over a costume?'
