American media mogul and television personality Martha Stewart has tendered a public apology following fierce backlash over her recent Halloween choice. The 85-year-old lifestyle expert upset many followers after dressing up as a homeless individual and sharing the image online.
The controversy started on October 31 when Stewart posted a picture on Instagram showing herself wearing ripped jeans, a black hat, and face makeup meant to resemble dirt. In the image, she held up a cardboard message that read, "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!"
Public anger swelled quickly, leading Stewart to delete the picture. According to Punch, critics condemned the mogul for mocking people facing poverty and economic hardship. The situation worsened because the picture appeared close to promotional material for her candle line on QVC.
Stewart initially attempted to defend the post by telling Page Six that she meant to create awareness around homelessness, which she called one of the toughest challenges facing the United States. She also noted that she frequently supports charitable bodies fighting the problem.
However, her first explanation failed to calm the anger. Stewart returned to Instagram hours later to release a fuller, more direct apology, admitting she completely missed the mark.
"It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough," Stewart wrote. She added, "I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry."
Online commentators did not hold back before the post was taken down, with one user labelling the costume as deeply wrong and morally bankrupt. Stewart is well known around the globe for her vast business network spanning cookbooks, magazines, and Daytime Emmy-winning television programmes.
