Exclusive: Infamous Dupont Twins Defend Former Boss Martha Stewart Amid Homeless Costume Backlash Over Her Record of Helping the Needy
Twins recall Stewart’s food donations
Richard Dupont, who worked for Stewart at her first catering company in the 1970s, told Page Six she regularly gave leftover food to people experiencing homelessness. He said she had cared about people in need and that he felt obliged to speak up for her.
Richard said he and his brother, Robert, often distributed meals to the Bowery in downtown Manhattan. Robert also defended Stewart on Instagram, saying she had made a point of packing up extra food after catering events.
Costume post draws criticism
Stewart shared a photo of herself in a Halloween costume depicting a homeless person holding a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” She soon deleted the image after it prompted backlash. The post also promoted her “perfect for Halloween” QVC candles. Stewart initially said the costume was meant to raise awareness of homelessness.
Stewart later apologizes
Stewart later acknowledged that her first response did not go far enough. She said the costume was insensitive and not funny, and apologized. The Dupont brothers said the costume was shocking, but Richard said Stewart meant no harm. Their defense centered on their memories of her sharing leftover food with people experiencing homelessness.
Key points
- Richard and Robert Dupont defended their former employer after her Halloween costume drew criticism.
- Richard said Stewart donated leftover catering food to people experiencing homelessness.
- The brothers said they often delivered meals to Manhattan’s Bowery.
- Stewart called the costume insensitive and apologized.