Martha Stewart Says Homelessness Costume Aimed to Raise Awareness

Martha Stewart said she was distressed that her Halloween costume meant to highlight homelessness had offended people.

The 85-year-old shared an Instagram carousel promoting her QVC candle line, with one slide showing her in worn clothing and a sign about hunger along with dirt-like makeup on her face. The post carried the caption that her candles were perfect for Halloween and was taken down soon after it appeared.

"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," Stewart said.

"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 added.

"I am committed to continuing to make a difference," Stewart said.

She posted the remarks on Instagram hours after speaking to Page Six about the matter. A representative for Stewart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Stewart began a catering business in the 1970s and has been described as the country’s first self-made female billionaire.