Martha Stewart addresses backlash over homeless Halloween costume but stops short of apology Martha Stewart responded to criticism after sharing and deleting a photo of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween, saying she intended to raise awareness but stopping short of an apology. Martha Stewart has addressed the backlash over her Halloween costume but stopped short of apologizing. The 85-year-old businesswoman and television personality sparked outrage after sharing and later deleting a photo of herself dressed in ripped jeans and a distressed button-down shirt. In the image, she held a sign that read, I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!! The photo was included in an Instagram carousel promoting Stewart's QVC candles. The post was quickly removed after a wave of criticism flooded her comment section.Stewart Claims Costume Raised AwarenessThe costume was intended to bring more awareness to homelessness, according to Stewart, who said she was distressed that it offended people. In a statement to Page Six on Sunday, Stewart said, 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 added that homelessness continues to remain one of America's greatest challenges and ongoing crises.Stewart said she cares deeply about the issue and has spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic. She also said she is committed to continuing to make a difference. Elsewhere, she described Halloween as one of her favorite holidays of the year.Stewart said, I've spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween, sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting to make the most of one of my favorite holidays of the year. Despite her explanation, the costume continued to spark criticism online. One critic wrote, Really? Is she that dense and misguided?Netizens Condemn Martha Stewart OutfitYou NEVER dress up as someone poor, sick or in dire circumstances. Never a fan but now disgusted. Another person commented, Just say that you're sorry and you didn't mean to upset anyone. It was just a poorly thought-out costume.Pretending that it was to raise awareness is just a very stupid lie. A Reddit user added, OMG, that's the best she could come up with? Very lazy and condescending, thinking anyone would believe this explanation. Others defended Stewart and argued that people were taking the costume too seriously.Designers Critique Commercialization of HalloweenThe mixed reaction highlights the ongoing debate over how celebrities address sensitive social issues. Stewart has previously made headlines for questioning Meghan Markle's homemaking credentials with a blunt career assessment. The backlash comes as Halloween continues to evolve, with celebrity event designer Edward Perotti arguing the holiday has shifted from personal expression into an over-commercialized, algorithm-driven spectacle. Perotti criticized retailers for pushing Halloween merchandise earlier every year and social media for encouraging clout-chasing displays.He said both trends diminish the holiday's unique freedom from obligations, gifts and elaborate meals associated with other celebrations. He encouraged people to reclaim Halloween by living in the moment, shopping their home, creatively reusing old decorations, and focusing on authentic self-expression and community rather than pre-packaged aesthetics.