Chocolate Spill Led Martha Stewart to Wear Controversial Homeless Costume, Blames Today’s Craig Melvin
A spill sparked the costume idea
Stewart said Melvin accidentally got chocolate on a white sweater during a Today episode on Oct. 30. She had planned to wear it for Halloween, but said the stain left her with about 10 minutes to get ready for a party.
Speaking at a CrossCountry Mortgage Sales Rally in Orlando on Nov. 3, Stewart said she chose a costume portraying a homeless person. She added a sign saying she was hungry, and said the look drew a strong reaction.
The moment on Today
During the Halloween broadcast, Stewart led a cooking demonstration in an outfit modeled on her 2026 Winter Olympics look. Melvin was dressed as her longtime friend Snoop Dogg when he spilled chocolate ganache on her.
Stewart teased Melvin about the mishap, and he apologized. E! News sought comment from Melvin’s representatives but had not received a response.
Stewart apologizes after backlash
After criticism of her costume, which included ragged clothing and dirt smeared on her face, Stewart removed its photo from Instagram. In a statement to People on Nov. 1, she said her aim had been to draw attention to homelessness, not offend anyone.
Stewart later posted another apology on Instagram, which has since been deleted. She acknowledged that her earlier statement was insufficient and said the costume was insensitive and not funny.
Key points
- Stewart said a chocolate spill on her sweater prompted her Halloween costume choice.
- The spill happened during a Today cooking segment on Oct. 30.
- Stewart deleted the costume photo after criticism and apologized publicly.
- She said she had intended to raise awareness of homelessness.