Martha Stewart blames Today star’s chocolate spill for controversial ‘homeless’ Halloween costume
The billionaire-turned-lifestyle mogul has offered a fresh account of her widely criticised Halloween outfit, claiming a last-minute clothing mishap prompted the decision after previously insisting she wanted to raise awareness of homelessness.
Martha Stewart has offered a new explanation for her controversial homeless-themed Halloween costume – claiming a chocolate spill involving a Today show presenter left her scrambling to find something else to wear.
The 85-year-old lifestyle entrepreneur and television personality, whose Halloween photograph prompted criticism after she appeared holding a cardboard sign reading “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!”, discussed the incident at a CrossCountry Mortgage sales rally in Orlando, Florida.
Martha suggested that an accident involving Today host Craig Melvin, 47, had contributed to her last-minute costume decision, despite previously saying the outfit was intended to raise awareness of homelessness.
Speaking on stage in footage obtained by TMZ, Martha recalled discovering that the sweater she had planned to wear was dirty after the television appearance.
She said: “And so when I picked up the sweater, I said, ‘Oh God, it's so dirty’.”
Martha continued: “I only have 10 minutes to get dressed for this Halloween party. So the easiest costume was to get dressed up as a, you know... a bum.”
She added: “I looked at myself and said, you really look hungry and homeless. So I wrote a sign that said I'm hungry and boy did that go off.”
The comments followed criticism of a photograph Martha had shared on social media showing her wearing the costume and carrying a cardboard sign asking for food.
The image was subsequently deleted, although screenshots continued circulating on Reddit and X.
Some social media users described the costume as “disgusting” and “tone-deaf”, questioning the decision to portray homelessness as a Halloween outfit.
Martha, whose wealth has been estimated at approximately $400 million, initially responded to the criticism with a statement provided to the Daily Mail.
She said: “I've spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween – sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas, and giving tips on entertaining and hosting to make the most of one of my favourite holidays of the year.”
The former television host continued: “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 added: “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.”
Martha concluded: “I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
The latest explanation came after Martha appeared on NBC's Today programme for a Halloween cooking segment, during which Craig accidentally spilled chocolate ganache on her white designer trousers.
Martha was wearing an all-white outfit similar to one she had worn at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Craig had dressed as her longtime friend and collaborator Snoop Dogg, 55.
The rapper and Martha have worked together on several television projects, including Martha Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, and have become known for their unlikely friendship.
Other Today presenters also participated in the programme's Halloween celebrations, with Carson Daly, 53, dressing as country singer Ella Langley, 27, and Savannah Guthrie, 54, wearing an outfit inspired by an NBC page.
During the cooking demonstration, Martha was showing the presenters how to decorate a cheesecake with a chocolate ganache spiderweb.
However, the segment ran into difficulties when the chocolate mixture initially appeared to be missing.
Martha said: “Uh-oh. Somebody forgot the chocolate ganache.”
She added: “Oh, there it is.”
Craig replied: “It’s right here.”
As Craig lifted the piping bag, chocolate began leaking onto Martha's trousers, which were reportedly worth approximately $3,000.
Both presenters exclaimed: “Whoa!”
Martha then addressed Craig, who was dressed as Snoop, saying: “Eeeeh! Snoop!”
Craig apologised as the other presenters reacted to the accident.
He said: “I'm so sorry, Martha.”
Carson joked: “Good thing you're best friends.”
Martha responded: “Real Snoop would never do that.”
