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.”
Stewart quickly deleted the photo amid instant backlash for allegedly mocking individuals experiencing homelessness.
“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 stressed in her Sunday statement. “[I am] committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Stewart has not further addressed the controversy. Us reached out for comment.
The lifestyle mogul has long been candid about the importance of giving back to communities in need.
“My life has touched so many people’s lives in this room, and I really am very grateful for getting an award like this,” she said at 2025 amFAR Palm Beach, accepting the accolade for Award of Inspiration. “In preparing for tonight, I reflected on the woman who has brought us together [late amFAR founder], Dr. Matilda Crim. She knew what I know that in philanthropy and in business to accomplish anything you have to begin with seeing a need. What can you do to help fill that void? I’m always looking to fill a void, and she certainly did.”
At the time, Stewart noted her support of amFAR — which funds AIDs research — through the years.
“In October 1985, a month after Dr. Crim co-founded amFAR, I opened my home to a very dear friend so he could die surrounded by love and comfort,” she recalled. “He was married to a woman I was very close to, but he also had relationships with men. My friend and his wife had two little children, 5 years old and just over 1 year old, and before he died, I promised him that I would show his children the world. I did. In 1985, that was all we had to give. Comfort and our word.”
