Martha Stewart addresses backlash over homeless Halloween costume

I was contemplating firing up a super offensive Halloween costume myself but opted instead to let Martha do the heavy lifting for me.

Martha Stewart addresses backlash over homeless Halloween costume — but stops short of apologizing

By Chris Rogers and Vanessa Serna, NY Post

Published Nov. 1, 2026,

Martha Stewart has spoken out after sparking backlash by dressing up as a homeless person for Halloween.

“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,” the multimillionaire businesswoman told Page Six in a statement Sunday, shortly after deleting the photo.

“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises, something that I care deeply about and I have spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic,” she continued.

Martha Stewart dressed in a homeless costume holding a sign that reads "I am hungry, help me!!" with two dogs on her porch.

“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,” the millionaire told Page Six in a statement. (Seen here: Stewart.)

Stewart shared she was “committed to continuing to make a difference.”

Elsewhere, she described Halloween as “one of [her] favorite holidays of the year,” sharing how she “spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting.”

The TV personality addressed the controversy after she shared — and then deleted — a photo of herself wearing ripped-up clothing with dirt on her face.

Stewart also carried a sign that read, “I am hungry. Help me.”

The photo was shared in a carousel of snaps promoting the lifestyle guru’s candles.

Several critics called out Stewart via Reddit, with one labeling the costume as “offensive” and “out of touch.”

On Halloween, Stewart celebrated by posting a throwback photo of herself as a haunted horsewoman in 2009.

Other snaps in the photo dump showed her dressed as a surfer at Bette Midler’s 1998 Hulaween gala, and a comic book character in 2017.

Earlier this month, Stewart also took to Instagram, showing herself dressed up in a black wig and outfit while making white chocolate ghosts.

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Additionally, she shared a video collage of herself dressed up while cooking and making crafts throughout the years, captioning it, “When someone asks if I like Halloween.”

Stewart also gave her followers several yummy festive treats to try and make, including a graveyard-themed ice cream pie.

Stewart has previously made headlines for celebrating Halloween with her pal Snoop Dogg.