Martha Stewart faced heavy public backlash after sharing and subsequently deleting an Instagram post featuring a Halloween costume meant to resemble an unhoused person alongside a QVC candle promotion, later defending the display as an effort to highlight homelessness.
True
Martha Stewart posted and subsequently deleted a Halloween photo of herself dressed as a homeless person while promoting QVC candles, and later claimed she was raising awareness.
Martha Stewart Dresses as ‘Hungry’ Person for Halloween
Source: tvinsider.com
At a glance
Verified November 1, 2026Key Evidence
Martha Stewart posted and later deleted an Instagram photo featuring herself dressed in tattered clothing and dirt while holding a sign that read, I AM HUNGRY HELP ME.
The controversial image was part of a carousel post that promoted her QVC candle collection.
Stewart subsequently released a statement to media outlets arguing that the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
Lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart drew widespread criticism on social media after publishing an Instagram carousel post for Halloween that included a photo of herself wearing tattered garments, sporting smudges of dirt on her face, and holding a sign stating she was hungry and needed help. The post also featured promotional images of her line of candles sold on QVC, prompting immediate online condemnation for trivializing poverty and homelessness.independent.co.ukindependent.co.ukMartha Stewart Halloween Costume Homeless B3077203The QVC Promotion Connection: The controversial photo was included as part of an Instagram carousel post meant to promote her line of candles sold on QVC, featuring the caption: "My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!" Her statement...
Following the swift removal of the image and subsequent public outcry, Stewart issued a statement to multiple media outlets, including TMZ and Page Six. She expressed distress that the post had caused offense while maintaining that the costume was intended to draw attention to the serious issue of homelessness.tmz.comtmz.comMartha Stewart Responds to Halloween Costume BacklashThe Statement / "Raising Awareness": Following the heavy backlash, Stewart released a statement to media outlets (including TMZ and Page Six) addressing the controversy She stated that she was "distressed" that the costume had offended...
Primary trail
Verified Sources7
Open source
689299 Martha Stewart Addresses Backlash Over her Homeless Halloween CostumePrimary Source Extraction
Verified Document Excerpt
"Martha Stewart is breaking her silence after sparking controversy with her “hungry” Halloween 2026 costume. “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,” Stewart, 85, told Page Six in a Sunday, November 1, statement. “[That] was never my intention.” Hours earlier, Stewart revealed her annual costume via social media. In the since-deleted snapshot screenshotted by Page Six, Stewart wore tattered clothes with what appeared to be dirt — or makeup made to simulate dirt — smeared across her face. She also held up a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME.”"
Martha Stewart Halloween Costume Homeless B3077203Primary Source Extraction
Verified Document Excerpt
"Martha Stewart has revealed that she's "distressed" that her Halloween costume portraying a homeless person offended people ... and said her outfit was meant to bring awareness."