Martha Stewart is asking Americans for forgiveness after her Halloween costume drew harsh criticism.
The lifestyle mogul, 85, admitted her decision to dress as a person experiencing homelessness was “stupid,” and revealed that her grandson had warned her about the outfit before the public criticism began.
“According to my grandson, I was tone-deaf,” Stewart said while explaining how the controversial costume came together during a Friday appearance on the “Today” show.
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Stewart’s Halloween costume featured ripped jeans, a distressed shirt and a cardboard sign reading “I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!”
During a discussion about lessons learned on the morning show, she acknowledged that she needed to be more mindful and “pay closer attention to social issues. Be aware.”
The businesswoman said she cares deeply about the challenges facing Americans but acknowledged that her costume was a mishap.
“But I made a mistake. I mean, I was stupid. Yeah. What else can I say? What else can I say? I’m so sorry,” Stewart said.
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She also asked her fans and the public to forgive her, saying, “I hope that my followers and my fans and the rest of America forgives me for doing something that was not meant in any way to be a bad thing.”
The longtime television personality said she put together the costume at the last minute after initially deciding not to dress up for Halloween.
A chocolate stain on her white sweater also helped inspire the last-minute costume, Stewart said. She joked that “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin was responsible for the stain before clarifying that she was only kidding.
In her initial statement to Page Six, Stewart said the costume was not meant to mock people experiencing homelessness.
“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,” she said.
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“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 said.
“I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
The costume photo initially appeared on an Instagram carousel promoting Stewart’s candles sold through QVC. The image was later deleted following negative comments.
Stewart initially said she hoped the costume would draw attention to homelessness, but later acknowledged that it was insensitive.
“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up,” she wrote in a subsequent Instagram apology.
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“I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry. – Martha.”
Digital has reached out to Stewart for additional comment.