Martha Stewart said she was “distressed” and “sorry” after her Halloween costume choice sparked a backlash.
In a since-deleted image on Instagram, the television personality, entrepreneur and author – who is America’s first self-made female billionaire – appeared dressed as a homeless person, wearing a black hat, worn jeans and a cardigan, with black marks smeared across her face, as she held up a sign reading “I’M HUNGRY, HELP ME!!” In the caption of the post, Stewart was promoting her candle collection.
Critics quickly poured in on social media, with one saying: “I think Martha Stewart wins this year for most tone-deaf Halloween costume.”
Another described the move as “grotesque, disgusting, morally bankrupt, incredibly wrong”, adding: “What is this costume in this ‘let them eat cake’? »
In the United States, more than 700,000 people are homeless, according to official data.
Addressing the outcry the following day, Stewart said her look was meant to raise awareness.
“I’m sorry that my Halloween costume yesterday, which was intended to raise awareness about the very serious issue of homelessness, offended people, which was never my intention,” she told Page Six on Sunday.
“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest current challenges and crises, something that I care deeply about and have devoted much time and effort to supporting charities combating this current social epidemic,” Stewart added.
Later that day, she apologized in a statement posted to her Instagram Story.
“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,” Stewart wrote. “My previous statement doesn’t go far enough. I know a lot of people are hurting economically. Wearing a costume like me was insensitive and not funny. I’m so sorry.”
CNN has contacted its representatives for further comment.
Stewart’s costume wasn’t the first to spark controversy this year. In August, Target apologized and stopped selling a Halloween costume depicting a circus clown after critics said it was reminiscent of blackface and minstrel shows.
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