Martha Stewart Faces Backlash Over Homeless Halloween Costume

Martha Stewart’s social media feed now features a costume that many viewers found jarring. The 79-year-old lifestyle entrepreneur posted images of herself dressed as a street beggar. Her outfit included torn clothing and a hand-painted sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!”

The post appeared on Instagram this past weekend. Stewart included a promotion for her QVC candle line in the caption. She shared two additional photos in the carousel, showing the costume from different angles. The imagery showed dirt smudges on her face and a distressed expression.

Criticism began building immediately after the upload. Stewart responded to the feedback with a written statement provided to Page Six on Sunday. She described her reaction to the comments as “distressed.” She explained that the outfit was designed to draw attention to the serious issue of homelessness in the United States.

Stewart noted in the statement that she has spent considerable time supporting charities that work against the problem. She called homelessness one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises. She said she is committed to continuing to make a difference in this area.

The timing of the post coincided with heightened economic anxiety among voters. The midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday. A Pew Research Center survey released in mid-October showed that 60% of respondents did not feel they had enough income to live the life they wanted. Additionally, 44% of Americans reported difficulty paying for basic necessities such as food, housing, transportation, and medical care.

Stewart’s personal wealth was also a factor in the public reaction. Reports estimate her net worth at $400 million. The contrast between her financial status and the character she portrayed fueled the debate. No further public comment has been released since her initial statement to Page Six.