Martha Stewart: I ‘really screwed up’ with ‘insensitive’ Halloween costume

Martha Stewart says she’s “very sorry” that her Halloween costume, in which she appeared to be dressed as a “hungry” homeless person, offended people, calling the move insensitive when “many people are suffering economically.”

In a since-deleted image posted on Stewart’s Instagram account on Halloween, the lifestyle guru and TV personality was seen sporting torn clothes, a face apparently covered in dirt and a solemn expression while holding a clipboard with the message: “I am hungry. Help me!”

Responding to backlash about the post, Stewart said in a statement on Sunday to People magazine , “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.”

“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 said.

Stewart, who’s been described as the country’s first self-made female billionaire, told the publication, “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.”

The 85-year-old business mogul later issued another statement in a post on one of her verified Instagram accounts.

“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,” Stewart said.

“My earlier statement didn’t go far enough,” she said.

“I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,” she said.