The lifestyle mogul issued a second apology after criticism of her Halloween costume, while Pose actress Indya Moore challenged her explanation that the outfit was intended to raise awareness of homelessness.
Martha Stewart apologized Sunday, November 1, 2026, after facing widespread criticism for a Halloween costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness. The 85-year-old lifestyle entrepreneur initially defended the outfit as an attempt to raise awareness but later acknowledged that it was insensitive and inappropriate.
The controversy began when Stewart shared an Instagram photograph of herself wearing tattered clothing with makeup resembling dirt on her face. She held a clipboard displaying the handwritten message “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” in an apparent portrayal of someone asking for food.
The photograph appeared in a series of images promoting Stewart’s QVC candle collection. Critics questioned why the businesswoman had used homelessness as a costume, particularly in a post connected to advertising products.
Martha Stewart Deletes Halloween Costume Photo
Stewart removed the controversial photograph after social media users began criticizing the costume. Screenshots had already circulated, allowing the image to spread across Instagram, Reddit and entertainment news websites.
The original post included promotional language describing her candles as suitable for Halloween celebrations. Some critics argued that combining a portrayal of hunger and poverty with a commercial promotion made the costume especially inappropriate.
According to TheWrap, Stewart responded to the criticism by explaining that she had intended to highlight homelessness in the United States. Her initial statement was provided to Page Six and subsequently shared in other reports.
Stewart said she was distressed that the costume had offended people because causing offense had not been her intention. She described homelessness as a serious national problem and said she had supported charitable organizations addressing it.
She also stated that she remained committed to making a difference. However, her initial response concentrated on explaining her intentions rather than directly acknowledging that the costume itself was wrong.
That distinction became a major point of criticism. Several social media users argued that even a well-intended attempt to raise awareness could be hurtful when it turns a vulnerable group into a Halloween character.
Indya Moore Criticizes Stewart’s Explanation
Actress Indya Moore, known for portraying Angel Evangelista in the television series Pose, was among the public figures who responded to Stewart’s costume.
Moore posted an extended comment on an Instagram discussion by entertainment website Just Jared. The actress questioned whether a Halloween costume was an appropriate way to bring attention to people experiencing hunger and homelessness.
Moore argued that Halloween traditionally involves portraying fictional characters, public figures, monsters and other recognizable subjects. In Moore’s view, dressing as someone experiencing a serious social crisis did not fit that tradition.
The actress also challenged Stewart’s claim that the negative response demonstrated the costume had succeeded in raising awareness. Moore suggested that the reaction instead showed how the portrayal could offend people who had experienced poverty or food insecurity.
Another concern involved Stewart’s significant financial resources. Moore argued that a wealthy public figure could use her platform to support charitable efforts, public policies and services addressing hunger rather than relying on a costume.
Moore further criticized Stewart’s first explanation for focusing on a failure to communicate her intentions. The actress believed Stewart should have acknowledged the decision to wear the costume rather than suggesting viewers misunderstood its purpose.
Her comments attracted attention because they addressed both the image and the larger question of how celebrities approach serious social problems. Moore’s criticism reflected the argument that awareness campaigns should consider the experiences of the people they are intended to help.
Stewart Faces More Criticism Over Instagram Response
The debate continued after Stewart commented directly on Just Jared’s Instagram coverage of the controversy.
She explained again that she had designed the costume to bring attention to people who are homeless or hungry. She acknowledged that her message had not been received as intended because she had failed to explain the outfit beforehand.
Stewart also apologized for that failure and reiterated that she supported organizations helping vulnerable people. However, the comment ended by questioning whether her critics also supported such causes.
That final remark prompted additional criticism. Moore argued that asking followers to defend their own charitable commitments shifted attention away from Stewart’s original decision.
Other commenters questioned whether the costume had any connection to a specific charitable campaign. The reporting available at the time did not identify a fundraising initiative or donation program associated with the photograph.
Stewart has publicly discussed her philanthropic interests during her career. Nevertheless, her general history of charitable involvement did not establish that the Halloween post was part of an organized homelessness awareness effort.
The controversy therefore centered on the difference between an intended message and the effect that message had on viewers. Critics maintained that Stewart’s stated intentions did not address their objections to the portrayal itself.
Martha Stewart Issues a Stronger Apology
Later Sunday, Stewart released a second statement on Instagram acknowledging that her first response had been inadequate.
The new message represented a significant change from her earlier defense. Rather than explaining why she had chosen the costume, Stewart accepted responsibility for wearing it.
She acknowledged that many Americans were experiencing financial hardship and said the costume had been insensitive. She also recognized that her original statement had failed to fully address the concerns raised by critics.
“Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,” Stewart wrote.
The apology was published as a screenshot of a written message and signed with her first name. It came just hours after her initial comments circulated.
The second statement received mixed responses. Some followers welcomed the clearer apology and encouraged Stewart to move forward, while others continued questioning how the costume had been approved or why it had been posted.
The revised message did not announce a donation, fundraising campaign or partnership with an organization addressing homelessness. Stewart also did not provide details about any future charitable action connected to the incident.
Halloween Controversy Draws Attention to Homelessness
Stewart has built her public career around cooking, decorating, entertaining and seasonal celebrations. Halloween has been a recurring feature of her television appearances, magazines and social media content.
She frequently shares elaborate costumes, decorating suggestions and holiday recipes with her audience. Her professional identity has made seasonal celebrations an important part of her lifestyle brand.
The controversial costume differed from those familiar celebrations because it portrayed a real situation involving poverty and housing insecurity. That distinction became central to the objections raised by Moore and other critics.
Homelessness remains a serious challenge across the United States. People experiencing homelessness can face difficulties accessing stable housing, employment, medical care and consistent sources of food.
The issue also affects families and individuals with different circumstances. Some live in shelters or temporary accommodation, while others sleep outdoors or in places not intended for human habitation.
Critics of Stewart’s costume argued that those experiences should not be reduced to torn clothing, a dirty face and a sign requesting food. Supporters of Stewart, however, accepted her explanation that the costume had been intended to draw attention to hardship.
The disagreement showed how differently audiences can interpret a public figure’s attempt to address a social issue, particularly when the message is presented through humor or holiday entertainment.
Stewart’s Apology Becomes the Focus
The original photograph was no longer available in Stewart’s Instagram carousel, but screenshots continued circulating after its removal. Entertainment outlets also documented the sequence of statements and reactions.
Stewart remained active on social media during the controversy. Her usual lifestyle content continued alongside the public discussion about the costume.
The incident unfolded within roughly two days of Halloween, with the original image appearing on October 31 and both major statements following on November 1.
Moore’s criticism helped bring additional attention to the difference between Stewart’s explanation and her later apology. While the actress challenged the initial defense, Stewart eventually acknowledged the costume itself had been inappropriate.
The most important development was Stewart’s decision to issue a more direct public apology. She abandoned the emphasis on misunderstanding and accepted that portraying homelessness as a Halloween costume had been insensitive.
As of November 1, Stewart had not announced any specific initiative connected to the controversy. Her latest statement acknowledged the harm caused by the costume and expressed regret, while the photograph that prompted the criticism remained deleted.
IMAGE: Martha Stewart. Photo: nrkbeta / Wikimedia, taken 2008-01-20, CC BY-SA 2.0