By Islam El-Sakka
Martha Stewart on Sunday addressed criticism of her Halloween costume, which depicted a "hungry" homeless person while promoting her candle collection on QVC. The lifestyle mogul said she was "distressed" that the outfit had offended people.
Costume Details and Promotion
Stewart shared an Instagram carousel photo showing herself in tattered clothing, holding a clipboard reading "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" with makeup simulating dirt on her face. The image appeared as the third slide in a post captioned "My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!" The post was removed shortly after publication, but the costume continued to circulate online.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Many social media users interpreted the costume as mocking poverty, labeling it "out of touch" and "dystopian." Commenters on Reddit described the portrayal as "gross" and "disrespectful" to people experiencing homelessness.
Stewart's Response
In a statement to NBC News, Stewart said the costume was "intended to bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness" and that causing offense was never her intention. She emphasized that homelessness "continues to remain one of America's greatest challenges" and noted her significant time and effort supporting charities combating the crisis. Stewart added she remains "committed to continuing to make a difference."
Similar Controversy Involving McCall DaPron
Content creator McCall DaPron faced parallel backlash over a family Halloween theme portraying the Kennedy family on the day of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. DaPron dressed as Jackie Kennedy in the iconic pink suit, alongside her husband as JFK and children as family members and Secret Service agents. That post was also deleted. The incident recalled similar criticism directed at actor Julia Fox last year for wearing a bloodstained Jackie Kennedy costume.
