Martha Stewart responds to backlash over ‘offensive’ Halloween costume
Martha Stewart has found herself in hot water after posting – and quickly deleting – a picture of herself in a controversial Halloween costume.
The multimillionaire businesswoman and lifestyle guru, 85, is facing plenty of backlash after dressing up as a homeless person, wearing tattered clothing with dirt on her face and a sign begging for food.
Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has come under fire for her controversial Halloween costume. Instagram/@marthastewart48
“I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!” the sign read in her Instagram snap.
The controversial picture was uploaded in an Instagram carousel which included pictures of candles Stewart sells on the home shopping network QVC.
“My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!” she captioned the post.
But it wasn’t long before the photo was removed.
Eagle-eyed social media users were quick to screenshot the post and took to Reddit where she was absolutely reemed for appearing to make light of homelessness.
The costume was branded “gross”, “offensive” by many on the platform.
“The level of out of touch is stellar,” one person replied on a thread.
Another echoed the sentiment and added, “What on earth was she thinking???? Surely she has staff that would warn her about the optics?? Dumb dumb dumb.”
Stewart, who has an estimated net worth of $400 million ($569 million AUD), was branded ‘out of touch’ for the costume. Getty
Others took issue with the fact that Stewart, who has an estimated net worth of $400 million ($569 million AUD) appeared to make a joke about those struggling with poverty.
The lifestyle guru has since broken her silence on the controversial costume, releasing a statement to Page Six addressing the backlash.
“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 told the outlet.
Stewart addressed the backlash in a statement, although she has not apologised for it. Getty Images for W Magazine
“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.”
Stewart shared she was “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
The controversy surrounding Stewart this year comes as she continues to embrace her longtime love of Halloween.
Over the years she has become known for her elaborate costumes, like transforming herself into Queen Elizabeth I and her festive recipes.
