Key Takeaways
- Martha Stewart reportedly posted, then deleted, a Halloween photo promoting her QVC candles that showed her in tattered clothes holding a sign reading “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!”
- Screenshots spread after the deletion, with critics calling the apparent homeless-person costume “offensive” and “gross” and accusing the multimillionaire of mocking people living in poverty.
- Stewart previously drew criticism for using Greenland iceberg pieces as cocktail ice in 2023 and blaming millennials’ financial struggles on their work ethic in 2016.
Martha Stewart is facing backlash over a Halloween photo that appeared to show her dressed as a homeless person.
The 85-year-old was pictured in ripped jeans and a tattered sweater, with what looked like dirt smudged across her face, holding a clipboard sign that read "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!" Two dogs sat on a porch in front of her.
The shot was reportedly part of an Instagram carousel promoting the candles she sells on QVC. The caption read: "My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!"
The post came down quickly, but several Instagram users had already grabbed screenshots. It’s now gone viral for being “offensive” and “gross” per multiple posts, with people objecting that Stewart, who has an estimated $400 million net worth, appeared to be making fun of people living in poverty.
In a statement made to Page Six after the photo came down, Stewart appeared to suggest the costume was made to spread awareness.
“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.
“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.
