Martha Stewart has spoken out after sparking backlash by dressing up as a homeless person for Halloween.
“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,” the multimillionaire businesswoman told Page Six in a statement Sunday, shortly after deleting the photo.
“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 continued.
Martha Stewart commented on the backlash she received over her homeless Halloween costume. marthastewart48/instagram
“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,” the millionaire told Page Six in a statement. (Seen here: Stewart.) Getty Images for Michaels
Stewart shared she was “committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Elsewhere, she described Halloween as “one of [her] favorite holidays of the year,” sharing how she “spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting.”
The TV personality addressed the controversy after she shared — and then deleted — a photo of herself wearing ripped-up clothing with dirt on her face.
“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,” Stewart (seen here) added. Getty Images
The businesswoman (seen above) claimed she was “committed to continuing to make a difference.” BFA.com / BACKGRID
Stewart also carried a sign that read, “I am hungry. Help me.”
The photo was shared in a carousel of snaps promoting the lifestyle guru’s candles.
Several critics called out Stewart via Reddit, with one labeling the costume as “offensive” and “out of touch.”
Stewart shared that Halloween was one of her favorite days of the year. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Stewart (seen here) has “spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting.” Getty Images
On Halloween, Stewart celebrated by posting a throwback photo of herself as a haunted horsewoman in 2009.
Other snaps in the photo dump showed her dressed as a surfer at Bette Midler’s 1998 Hulaween gala, and a comic book character in 2017.
Earlier this month, Stewart also took to Instagram, showing herself dressed up in a black wig and outfit while making white chocolate ghosts.
Stewart’s costume on Saturday was labeled “out of touch.” (Seen here: The TV personality with Snoop Dog.) Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
She quickly deleted the photo after posting it. (Seen here: Stewart.) BFA.com / BACKGRID
Additionally, she shared a video collage of herself dressed up while cooking and making crafts throughout the years, captioning it, “When someone asks if I like Halloween.”
Stewart also gave her followers several yummy festive treats to try and make, including a graveyard-themed ice cream pie.
Stewart has previously made headlines for celebrating Halloween with her pal Snoop Dogg.