Did Martha Stewart really think dressing as a homeless person for Halloween was a “cute” lifestyle hack?
The domestic diva, 85, is currently drowning in a PR nightmare of her own making after debuting a 2026 Halloween costume that can only be described as “poverty cosplay for billionaires.” Stewart posted an Instagram carousel showing herself in layered, distressed clothing, a cardboard sign reading “Hungry,” and a shopping cart — effectively turning human suffering into a seasonal aesthetic. The internet, unsurprisingly, did not find it charming.
Her first “apology” was the textbook definition of a non-apology: a vague acknowledgment that “some people were offended” wrapped in a paragraph about her love for “creative costumes.” Translation: “I’m sorry you’re sensitive.” Critics rightfully dragged her for treating homelessness as a mood board rather than a crisis. With over 650,000 Americans experiencing homelessness on any given night, the “let them eat cake” energy was palpable.
Hours later, facing a tsunami of backlash from fans, advocacy groups, and fellow celebrities, Stewart dropped a second statement that actually used the words “I screwed up.” She wrote: “It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough. I know many people are suffering economically.” No excuses. No “creative expression” deflections. Just a rare moment of accountability from a woman who’s built an empire on never showing a flaw.
Fans are split. Some applaud the course correction; others say the damage is done. “She only apologized because she got caught,” commented one user. “Performative accountability is still performative,” wrote another. Meanwhile, homelessness advocates are demanding she put her money where her Instagram caption is — think seven-figure donations to Housing Works or the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
What do you think? A) Martha’s second apology is genuine growth — give the queen a break B) Too little, too late — she knew exactly what she was doing