By Karim Hammam
Lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart faced widespread criticism over the weekend after posting a Halloween costume depicting a homeless person holding a sign reading “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” The 85-year-old businesswoman, estimated to be worth more than $400 million, quickly deleted the Instagram post, but the image circulated online.
Costume Sparks Outrage
Social media users accused Stewart of mocking poverty and being “tone deaf” and “disrespectful,” particularly as U.S. homelessness has risen in recent years. The photo appeared in a carousel promoting her candle collection on QVC, with a caption about Halloween candles.
Stewart Issues Apology
In a since-deleted statement, Stewart acknowledged she had “really screwed up.” She wrote that her earlier statement did not go far enough, admitting the costume was insensitive and not funny. She apologized to those economically struggling. Earlier, she had told NBC News the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness, a cause she said she supports through charitable work.
Criticism Continues
Online reaction intensified after her apology, with many rejecting the “I’m sorry you were offended” framing. Commenters demanded concrete action, such as donations to shelters, while representatives for Stewart did not respond to requests for comment.
