Martha Stewart Pulls QVC Promo After Homeless Costume Sparks Online Criticism

Martha Stewart deleted an Instagram post on Monday after the image of her Halloween costume triggered a wave of online criticism. The photo, which served as the third slide in a carousel advertising her candle collection on QVC, showed the 82-year-old entrepreneur in tattered clothing. She held a clipboard with the text "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" and wore makeup designed to simulate dirt on her face. The caption for the post read, "My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!"

Stewart addressed the controversy in a statement to NBC News on Sunday. She described herself as "distressed" that the outfit had offended people. Stewart said her intention was to raise awareness about the serious subject of homelessness. She noted that homelessness remains a major crisis in the United States and that she has spent significant effort supporting charities dedicated to the issue. "I am committed to continuing to make a difference," she added.

Critics on social media argued that the costume was out of touch and dystopian. Many interpreted the tattered look and the sign as a mockery of the poor rather than a tribute to their struggles. The post was removed shortly after it went live, but screenshots of the image continued to circulate across various platforms.

Stewart is not the only public figure facing scrutiny over her costume choices this weekend. Content creator McCall DaPron also drew fire for her family's Halloween attire. DaPron wore an all-pink blazer, skirt, and pillbox hat, replicating the outfit Jackie Kennedy wore the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She posed with a bouquet of red roses next to her husband, Kirk DaPron, who dressed as John F. Kennedy. Two of their children dressed as Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., while two others wore Secret Service uniforms.

DaPron originally captioned her Instagram post, "Happy Halloween 勺The Kennedy’s," before deleting the image. Commenters on Reddit described the choice as gross and disrespectful. One user noted that the outfit was Jackie Kennedy's most recognizable look and called the inclusion of the children weird. Representatives for DaPron did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The reaction to DaPron's costume recalls the backlash actress Julia Fox received last year for wearing a bloodstained suit as a Jackie Kennedy tribute. Fox defended her decision by stating she wore the outfit as a statement regarding Kennedy's refusal to change her clothes after the assassination. The current round of criticism highlights how costume choices continue to influence public discourse and brand perception for prominent figures.