Martha Stewart has sparked controversy over her 2026 Halloween costume after appearing to dress as a homeless person.
The lifestyle icon reportedly posted — then swiftly deleted — an Instagram photo showing herself in ripped, worn-out clothing, with dirt smeared across her face and a cardboard sign asking for food.
“I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!” read the sign she held in the now-deleted photo.
The 85-year-old lifestyle mogul appeared in ragged clothing with dirt smeared across her face, holding a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!”
The now-deleted image was reportedly part of an Instagram carousel promoting Stewart’s Halloween candles available on QVC.
“My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!” the multimillionaire entrepreneur captioned the post.
However, the controversial photo was quickly removed, though not before sharp-eyed social media users managed to take screenshots.
The deleted photo soon surfaced on Reddit, sparking a wave of criticism from social media users who accused Stewart of making light of homelessness.
Several commenters described the costume as “offensive,” “gross” and “out of touch,” while others criticized the multimillionaire businesswoman, whose estimated net worth is $400 million, for appearing to mock people facing poverty and homelessness.
Hours after removing the image, Stewart addressed the controversy in a statement issued through her representative.
“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.
Stewart also emphasized her concern for the issue, adding, “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.”
Hours after removing the controversial photo, Stewart addressed the backlash, insisting that her Halloween costume was never intended to offend anyone.
The controversy comes as the lifestyle mogul continues to celebrate her longtime passion for Halloween.
Over the years, Stewart has become known for her extravagant and creative costumes, dressing up as everyone from Queen Elizabeth I to a glamorous sorceress.
She has also made headlines for celebrating the spooky season alongside her longtime friend Snoop Dogg, with whom she shares a famously close bond.
Although Stewart has built a reputation for embracing Halloween with elaborate looks, her latest costume has drawn criticism from social media users who felt she had taken things too far.
