Martha Stewart calls Halloween costume 'insensitive' after online backlash

Martha Stewart posted an apology on the Notes app on October 31 regarding a Halloween costume that drew widespread criticism. She admitted the look was not well received by the public.

Stewart shared a photo on Instagram showing herself in a beanie and torn clothing. She smeared dirt on her face and held a brown clipboard with the words "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!" written on it. She quickly removed the post after seeing the reaction. The original caption mentioned her QVC candles.

"I know many people are suffering economically," she wrote in the apology. "Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny." She signed the note with her first name.

In a separate statement to Page Six, Stewart explained the outfit was meant to raise awareness about homelessness. She described the issue as a major challenge in America. She said she has spent considerable time supporting charities that fight the crisis. She stated that offending people was never her goal.

Public response to the apology was divided. One critic called the choice a disconnect from the reality of hunger and lack of housing. Another fan defended the look, noting that hobo costumes were common in the 1970s and should not cause such an uproar.

Stewart has previously discussed her financial history in detail. Last month, she revealed on a podcast that she once earned $65 million a year in royalties from Kmart. She recalled selling close to $2 billion in merchandise during that period. She said that revenue funded her magazine and business development.

She also noted that legal battles in the early 2000s cost her about $1 billion. Stewart was convicted of insider trading and served five months in prison. She added five months of home confinement and two years of probation. She described the legal fees as draining but said she is now doing well.