Stewart apologizes after homeless costume

Martha Stewart has admitted she made a mistake with her Halloween attire, telling followers on social media that she had really screwed up. The entrepreneur deleted the original image from her Instagram account after it drew sharp criticism from users who called the look tone deaf.

In the deleted photo, Stewart posed in a black hat, worn jeans, and a cardigan. She held a sign that read, 'I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!' Black marks were smeared across her face. The caption for the post promoted her candle collection rather than the costume itself.

Social media users quickly shared their reactions to the image. One commenter said the look was grotesque and morally bankrupt. Another asked what in the let them eat cake is this costume? Official data shows that more than 700,000 people in the United States are currently homeless.

Stewart first responded to the uproar on Sunday, the day after the photo went live. She told Page Six that the outfit was intended to raise awareness about a serious subject. She said she was distressed that the costume had offended people, which was never her intention.

She added that homelessness remains a major challenge in America. Stewart stated that she spends a significant amount of time supporting charities that combat the social epidemic.

Later that same day, Stewart issued a further apology in a statement on her Instagram story. She wrote that her earlier statement did not go far enough. She acknowledged that many people are suffering economically and that wearing the costume was insensitive and not funny.

Her team has been contacted for additional comment. This incident follows a similar controversy in August when Target pulled a circus clown costume from shelves after critics said it evoked minstrel shows.