Martha Stewart is speaking out after facing tremendous backlash for her Halloween costume, in which she wore ripped-up clothing with dirt on her face.
Stewart, 85, is a legendary domestic goddess and entrepreneur. However, the Martha Stewart Living tycoon found herself embroiled in controversy when she shared a photo of herself dressed up for Halloween on her personal Instagram page. The photo featured several images of themed candles, and a third photo that showed Stewart covered in dirt, holding a clipboard that says, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!”
“My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!!!” Stewart captioned the controversial photos, which were soon deleted. However, you can see screenshots of the costume, which feature Stewart standing on her porch with her dogs, wearing jeans, a long sweater, and a flannel shirt, on Page Six.
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Stewart’s Halloween Costume Sparked Major Backlash
Soon, Stewart faced a firestorm of criticism online from followers who said her post was mocking those experiencing homelessness and living in poverty.
“Martha Stewart absolutely tone deaf and totally out of touch. Absolutely shameful,” a Twitter user shared.
“What on earth was Martha Stewart thinking with that Halloween outfit,” another person said on Twitter.
“Martha Stewart dressed up as a homeless person for Halloween and then deleted it. Of course the damage was done before people took screenshots!” another person commented.
“Martha Stewart a fool lmaoooo what’s her issue,” someone else chimed in.
Stewart Issued a Statement
Stewart quickly nixed the photo from her timeline and spoke out in a statement.
“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 on Sunday. The photo had been removed, but several publications had preserved it by taking screenshots and sharing them.
“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,” she continued.
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