Martha Stewart is facing backlash after sharing a Halloween costume that many social media users found offensive.
The lifestyle mogul sparked controversy after dressing up as a homeless person for the holiday, prompting criticism from people who felt the costume made light of homelessness. The photo was later deleted, but the reaction continued as fans called out Martha for her choice of costume. Read more about her controversial costume and how the internet reacted below.
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Martha Stewart Dressed Up As A 'Hungry' Homeless Person For Halloween
In the now-deleted Instagram photo, the famous Food Network host appeared in a black beanie, a plaid button-down shirt, ripped jeans, and a long, cream-colored cardigan. She also had makeup smeared across her face to make it look dirty, completing the look with a clipboard that read, "I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!"
The 85-year-old lifestyle guru shared the photo on Halloween as part of an Instagram post promoting her QVC candle collection. The caption advertised her candles as perfect for the holiday, but it was the costume that quickly caught the attention of social media users.
After the photo sparked widespread criticism, Martha deleted the post and issued a statement explaining her intentions. She initially claimed that the costume was meant to raise awareness about homelessness, but her explanation only fueled further backlash.
Martha Apologizes After Fans Slam Her Halloween Costume
Many social media users were appalled by the Martha Stewart Living host's decision to dress up as a homeless person, with critics arguing that the costume made light of a serious issue affecting people across the country. The backlash was particularly intense given Martha's status as a wealthy businesswoman.
Following her initial explanation, she issued a second statement on Instagram, admitting that her earlier response had not gone far enough and apologizing for the costume.
"It's hard to admit when you've really screwed up," she wrote. "My earlier statement didn't go far enough. I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume as I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry."
Despite her apology attempts, the internet is continuing to fire back at her for the offensive costume.
"As rich as she is, why would she ever think that doing that would be okay?" asked a user on Instagram.
"The true Martha came out for a flash second and then deleted herself," a user speculated, as another commented, "Now Martha, for the first time, you lost me."
"This is beyond tone deaf for the times that we're in," they continued. "I'm low-key disappointed."
"Why make fun of someone who is hungry?" one user asked. "You have great wealth; what about donating to the local food shelf?"
"What is wrong with rich people?" a user asked.
"The rich don't seem to have a clue," echoed another.
