Martha Stewart faced an uncomfortable exchange with Craig Melvin during Friday’s edition of Today after the television personality questioned why she had involved him in the controversy surrounding her Halloween costume.
The 85-year-old lifestyle mogul had sparked widespread criticism after sharing a photograph of herself dressed as a homeless person for Halloween.
Her outfit included a sign bearing the words, “I am hungry. Help me.”
The controversy intensified when Stewart suggested that an accident involving Melvin had contributed to her decision to wear the costume.
Chocolate spill becomes part of Stewart’s explanation
Stewart had previously explained that Melvin accidentally spilled chocolate ganache on her planned Halloween outfit during a cooking segment on Today the previous week.
The incident left chocolate stains on her white designer trousers, shoes and a small section of her sweater. The trousers were reportedly worth $3,000.
Speaking at the CrossCountry Mortgage Sales Rally in Orlando on Tuesday, Stewart said the accident had left her with only 10 minutes to put together another costume.
She explained that after looking at herself, she decided she looked hungry and homeless, prompting her to make a sign reading, “I’m hungry.”
The photograph subsequently attracted considerable criticism online.
Melvin questions why Stewart involved him
During Friday’s broadcast, Melvin directly addressed Stewart’s earlier comments, asking: “Why was I dragged into it?”
Stewart explained that she had only been joking when she mentioned the chocolate incident during her speech.
“I was making a joke,” she told him, explaining that the spilled chocolate had prevented her from wearing the outfit she originally intended to use for a Halloween party.
Melvin reminded her that he had already apologised for the accident and that they had moved on from the incident.
Stewart responded that she had also moved on.
The presenter then clarified that the chocolate spill had no connection to the controversial costume she eventually wore.
“Oh, no, no. It wasn’t your fault,” Stewart replied.
Stewart admits her Halloween costume was a mistake
Stewart went on to explain that she had not initially planned to dress up for Halloween because she had been occupied with work at her farm.
She said she had spent the day gardening and replanting trees before receiving an invitation to a Halloween party on Saturday.
The television personality also noted that she usually puts considerable effort into her Halloween outfits and had previously worn elaborate costumes.
Although she initially connected her last-minute costume decision to the chocolate incident, she acknowledged that blaming Melvin had been inappropriate.
“It was a joke that I said I blamed you. It was stupid. And then tone deaf or whatever I was, according to my grandson. I was tone deaf,” she admitted.
Melvin pointed out that her grandson was not the only person who had criticised the costume.
Stewart explained that she had sent her grandson the photograph to get his opinion, and he had described it as tone deaf.
She added that she recognised the mistake and had apologised.
Stewart says she did not intend to offend anyone
Addressing the criticism, Stewart insisted that her costume was not intended to ridicule homeless people or make light of the difficulties they experience.
She also expressed hope that the new administration would take meaningful steps to address hunger and ensure that vulnerable people received better support.
Asked what she had learned from the controversy, Stewart said she would pay closer attention to social issues in the future.
She maintained that she cared about the problems affecting society and accepted responsibility for her actions.
“I made a mistake. I was stupid, what else can I say? I’m so sorry,” she said.
Stewart also appealed to her followers, fans and the wider American public to forgive her for wearing an outfit she said was never intended to cause harm.
Lifestyle mogul issues further apologies
The controversy had already prompted Stewart to release multiple statements addressing the backlash.
In an earlier statement obtained by the Daily Mail, she said she was distressed that her Halloween costume had offended people, explaining that her intention had been to draw attention to homelessness.
Stewart also highlighted her longstanding involvement in Halloween celebrations, noting that she had spent decades sharing recipes, craft ideas and entertaining tips associated with the holiday.
She added that homelessness remained one of America’s major challenges and said she had devoted time and resources to supporting charities working to address the issue.
However, following further criticism, Stewart issued another apology on Instagram, acknowledging that her initial response had not adequately addressed the concerns raised.
“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up.
My earlier statement didn’t go far enough,” she wrote.
She continued by acknowledging that many people were experiencing financial difficulties and admitted that her costume had been insensitive and unfunny.
“I am very sorry. Martha,” she added.
Social media backlash follows controversial photograph
Stewart’s Halloween photograph circulated widely on Reddit and X, where users described the costume as gross, offensive and out of touch.
The criticism also drew attention to her estimated $400 million fortune, with many questioning the decision to portray herself as someone begging for food.
Stewart previously became the first female self-made billionaire in the United States in 1999 when her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, went public on the New York Stock Exchange.
Her wealth subsequently declined following insider trading charges, a five-month prison sentence in 2004 and fluctuations in the company’s market performance.
Her current fortune is attributed to her real estate holdings, book publications, media ventures and brand partnerships.
Halloween cooking segment sparked the initial exchange
The disagreement between Stewart and Melvin followed their appearance together on Today during a Halloween cooking segment the previous week.
Melvin, who was dressed as Stewart’s close friend Snoop Dogg, accidentally splashed chocolate ganache onto her white outfit while they were preparing food.
Stewart, who was wearing an all-white ensemble similar to the one she wore to the 2024 Paris Olympics, reacted to the incident as chocolate landed on her expensive trousers and shoes.
The exchange later became part of the explanation surrounding her Halloween costume, although Stewart ultimately acknowledged during Friday’s broadcast that Melvin was not responsible for her decision.
