Martha Stewart defends controversial Halloween costume
- Martha Stewart issued a statement regarding her controversial Halloween costume.
- The image of the costume was removed from her Instagram account.
- Stewart claimed the outfit was intended to raise awareness about homelessness.
- Uncertainty remains over whether the image was AI-generated or authentic.
- Influencer Tana Mongeau is facing a separate costume controversy involving Erika Kirk.
Martha Stewart issued a public statement on 1 November 2026 to address criticism regarding a Halloween costume that appeared on her Instagram account. Stewart said she was "distressed" that her costume offended people.
She claimed the costume was intended to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness. Stewart also emphasised that she has dedicated time and effort to supporting charities that combat homelessness.
Tattered clothing and sign spark social media debate
An image allegedly showing 85-year-old Martha Stewart dressed as a homeless person appeared briefly on her personal Instagram account before its removal.
Variety reported that the costume consisted of tattered clothing and dirt-inspired makeup, alongside the sign.
Uncertainty remains over image authenticity
A Reddit user who shared the image could not confirm whether it was AI-generated or if Stewart's account had been compromised.
Fashion Times questions origin of viral image
Fashion Times reported on 1 November 2026 that the backlash is based on the assumption that she intended to portray a homeless person, as the origin and purpose of the image have not been confirmed.
According to Fashion Times, Stewart published a retrospective of her past Halloween costumes on 31 October 2026.
Stewart reflects on Halloween activities
On 30 October 2026, Stewart appeared on the Today show for a Halloween segment. She joined presenter Craig Melvin, who wore an Olympics-inspired outfit modelled on Snoop Dogg.
Tana Mongeau faces backlash over Erika Kirk costume
Mr Kirk was assassinated in September 2025.
Defenders of the influencer argue the costume is a parody of a viral YouTube video from April. This performance is noted for heavy breathing and staring.
Comedian Druski previously performed a similar parody, receiving more than 648,000 likes on a TikTok repost. Viewers saw his WWE-style entrance as a reference to the entrance made at the memorial of Mr Kirk.
Critics describe the costume as a cheap shot against Erika Kirk, who is a recently widowed mother of two. One commenter stated, "There is a difference between being funny and being cruel, and I think you may have crossed that line".
Mongeau previously received praise for a "cosy nostalgia" recreation of a Lindsay Lohan photo, which featured a pink bikini and an ankle monitor.
Mongeau's sponsors may face pressure due to the controversy. The potential loss of partnerships is expected to become clear in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Exclusive | Martha Stewart addresses backlash over homeless Halloween costume — but stops short of apologizing (pagesix.com)
- Martha Stewart Responds to Backlash Over Halloween Costume (variety.com)
- Martha Stewart 'Distressed' by Backlash to Homeless Halloween Costume (rollingstone.com)
- 'What Was She Thinking?' Martha Stewart Faces Criticism After Disputed Halloween Photo Appears on Instagram (fashiontimes.co.uk)
- Martha Stewart (linkedin.com)
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