In the spirit of Halloween, several celebs went all out with their costumes in hopes of creating their next viral moment. Television star Martha Stewart chose to go a more simplistic route and still went viral. Unfortunately, it was for all of the wrong reasons. And now, the multimillion-dollar businesswoman is responding to the backlash.
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Stewart Responds to Backlash Over Halloween Costume
Stewart, 85, chose to dress up as a homeless person. And with an estimated net worth of $400 million, her costume choice did not go over well with the general public. Many users on social media felt the costume was insensitive and tone deaf.
In a statement to New York Post's Page Six, Stewart did not actually apologize. However, she did say that she was "distressed," that people were "offended" by her costume choice. She also added that she intended to bring more "awareness" to the issue of homelessness, rather than mocking it.
"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 in a statement to the outlet on Sunday (November 1).
She also said that she "deeply" cares about the homeless crisis. Martha referenced her support for charities over the years as evidence.
"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 statement concludes.
Martha Dressed Up as Homeless Person For Halloween
The controversial photo appeared in a carousel of photos that the famed homemaker posted to her Instagram account over the Halloween weekend. In a post where she promoted a new line of candles she is retailing through QVC.
In the photo, Stuart posed in front of a building with two of her dogs. She donned a dilapidated-looking cardigan sweater draped over a worn-out flannel shirt and ripped jeans. She also wore a skull cap and appeared to use makeup to make it look like there was dirt smudged on her face. In addition, Stewart held up a sign in front of a brick-laid home that read "I AM HUNGRY, HELP ME!!"
