Martha Stewart deleted a Halloween costume photo after critics said it appeared to mock people experiencing homelessness. The Halloween costume photo had appeared in an Instagram carousel promoting her QVC candles.

The image showed Stewart in tattered clothing, with dirt on her face, holding a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!” She captioned the carousel, “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!” The photo was removed soon after the post appeared, but screenshots later circulated online.

Why the Halloween Costume Photo Drew Criticism

The since-deleted image reached Reddit, where users called the costume “offensive,” “gross” and “out of touch.” Some commenters said the picture made light of homelessness and poverty. Others pointed to the contrast between the costume and Stewart’s reported estimated net worth of $400 million.

The criticism centered on what the image seemed to represent. Stewart was dressed as someone asking for food, while the costume appeared beside a product promotion. The source describes the image as having been included in the candle carousel, rather than posted separately as a Halloween portrait.

Stewart Says She Meant to Raise Awareness

Hours after deleting the image, Stewart issued a statement through her representative. She said the costume was intended to bring awareness to homelessness and that offending people “was never my intention.” She also said she was distressed that the costume had caused offense.

Stewart called homelessness “one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises.” She said she cared deeply about the issue and had spent significant time and effort supporting charities that combat it. The statement addressed her intent, while the online criticism focused on how the image came across.

The backlash follows another public discussion about Stewart and a homeless costume. In a separate costume controversy, Stewart said she was distressed that a previous outfit had offended people and described her support for charities. The two reports concern separate Halloween incidents.

A Halloween Tradition Meets a Different Reaction

The article says Stewart has long embraced Halloween and is known for elaborate costumes. Past looks included Queen Elizabeth I and a glamorous sorceress. She has also celebrated the holiday with her close friend Snoop Dogg, according to the report.

That history forms a contrast with the response to this year’s image. The source says her latest costume appeared to leave some fans less impressed, after years of Halloween looks that drew attention for their elaborate transformations.

What Happens After the Deleted Image

The reported sequence is clear: Stewart shared the image in a candle promotion, removed it, and then responded to criticism through her representative. The source does not describe a further statement or another action from Stewart after that response.

Coverage of the separate controversy over a homeless costume also includes Stewart’s stated support for charities. A related celebrity charity story reports on entertainers directing prize money to refugee charities; it is a different event and offers a broader example of charity in celebrity coverage.

For now, the deleted photo and Stewart’s explanation remain the central developments. Her statement says she wanted to draw attention to homelessness, while the reaction showed that many viewers found the costume hurtful. The source reports no additional step beyond the deletion and response.