Stewart Addresses Homeless Costume Criticism
The lifestyle mogul removed an Instagram post after viewers questioned her tattered outfit and 'hungry' sign.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
Martha Stewart said Sunday that she felt distressed after her Halloween costume drew online criticism for depicting a homeless person.
The photo, which Stewart posted on Instagram, showed her in tattered clothes with dirt-smudged makeup. She held a clipboard that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” The image was the third slide in a carousel promoting her candle line on QVC.
Stewart removed the post after the backlash began. Her caption for the images read, “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!”
In a statement to NBC News, Stewart said the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness. “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.
She noted that homelessness remains a major challenge in the United States. Stewart said she has spent considerable time supporting charities that address the issue and remains committed to making a difference.
Other public figures also faced criticism for their Halloween outfits this weekend. Content creator McCall DaPron posted a photo of her family dressed as the Kennedy family. DaPron wore the pink outfit Jackie Kennedy wore on the day of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
DaPron’s husband, Kirk DaPron, dressed as President Kennedy. Their four children were dressed as Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr., and two Secret Service agents. DaPron deleted the post after commenters on Reddit called the choice disrespectful. Representatives for DaPron did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
