Martha Stewart apologized a second time after a Halloween costume in which she dressed as a person experiencing homelessness went viral. She first said she meant to raise awareness, then wrote on Instagram on Nov. 1 that the costume was insensitive and not funny.
Martha Stewart dressed as a person experiencing homelessness for Halloween and held a sign saying she was hungry and asking for help. She shared a photo of herself in ripped clothing with makeup meant to resemble dirt on her face, holding a clipboard, and later deleted it. The photo appeared in an Instagram post that also promoted her QVC candles, shared in a carousel of snaps. Stewart is 85.
First statement defended the costume
In a statement to Page Six on Sunday, Nov. 1, Stewart said she was distressed that the costume had offended people. She said the outfit was intended to bring more awareness to the serious subject of homelessness, and that offending anyone was never her intention. Stewart said homelessness remains one of America's greatest challenges and ongoing crises, that she cares deeply about it, and that she has spent significant time and effort supporting charities that combat it. She also said she was committed to continuing to make a difference, and told Page Six she would keep working on the issue.
A second, fuller apology
Stewart issued a second public apology after the costume went viral. In an Instagram post on Sunday evening, she wrote that her earlier statement did not go far enough and that wearing the costume was insensitive and not funny. She added that she was very sorry. She also admitted she had badly erred by dressing as a homeless person for Halloween. Stewart had initially defended the costume as an attempt to raise awareness, but later apologized and acknowledged it was insensitive.
