Martha Stewart apologises after outrage over homeless Halloween costume

American businesswoman and television personality Martha Stewart has deleted a photo of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween and admitted that she "screwed up". BBC News, Fox News, the Daily Mail, and RTÉ all reported on the online backlash following the image posted to her Instagram account. The 85-year-old lifestyle guru shared a photograph showing her wearing torn clothing with dirt on her face while holding a cardboard sign reading "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!", according to details confirmed by BBC News, Fox News, and the Daily Mail. [1][3][4][5][6]

The photo was included in an Instagram carousel promoting Stewart's QVC holiday and Halloween candles, Fox News and the Daily Mail reported. After widespread public criticism, including from actor Indya Moore, the post was quickly removed. In a statement issued on Sunday, Stewart said she was distressed that her costume offended people, explaining that it was originally intended to bring awareness to homelessness, according to reports from BBC News, Fox News, and Rolling Stone. [1][3][4][6][7]

Stewart later issued a fuller apology stating that it is hard to admit when someone has really screwed up and acknowledging that her earlier statement did not go far enough, BBC News reported. Stewart founded Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and previously built a business empire encompassing publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising, including hosting television shows such as The Martha Stewart Show. [1][13][15]