Martha Stewart Responds to Backlash Over Halloween Costume

Martha Stewart has issued a statement after drawing hefty backlash for dressing up as a homeless person for Halloween. The media mogul’s choice of costume for Saturday’s holiday, which included her dressed up in tattered clothing, dirt-inspired face makeup and a sign that read, “I am hungry. Help me!!,” was quickly deemed offensive and in poor taste by fans. (The photo she’d posted of the costume to Instagram was promptly deleted.)

“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,” Stewart told Page Six in a statement issued on Sunday.

She continued: “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.” The businesswoman also shared that she remains “committed to continuing to make a difference.”

On Saturday, Stewart also shared a carousel of images of her yard with festive decor captioned, “Halloween night Waiting for those who trick or treat!” In the days leading up to the holiday, Stewart appeared on “Today” to share Halloween entertaining ideas, “including my no-bake spiderweb cheesecake, witches’ brew, and a ghastly goulash,” she wrote on social media. “I always enjoy getting dressed up in fun and creative costumes when my busy schedule allows.”

Variety previously reported that Cate Blanchett is set to star as Stewart in the upcoming biopic “Good Thing” about the career of the lifestyle media mogul, with “Zola” director Janicza Bravo helming the project.