Martha Stewart Blames Today Show’s Craig Melvin for Costume Fiasco in New Statement

Chocolate on the Sweater

Stewart recounted that Melvin spilled chocolate on her white sweater during a segment on the Today show last week. She said she had intended to wear the sweater to a Halloween party and had only 10 minutes to get dressed. In a video obtained by TMZ, Stewart said she chose what she called the easiest costume after seeing the stained sweater. She described her appearance as looking hungry and homeless, then made a sign that read “I’m hungry.”

Costume Draws Backlash

Stewart’s costume depicted someone in extreme poverty and prompted strong criticism. She said the costume was intended to bring homelessness and hunger to people’s attention, but acknowledged that it did not have the effect she intended because she had not explained it.

In a post last week, Stewart apologized and said she cared about and supported causes that help people in need. She also asked her followers whether they cared.

A Further Apology

Stewart later addressed the controversy on her Instagram account, saying her earlier statement had not gone far enough. She wrote that many people were suffering economically and called wearing the costume insensitive and not funny. She apologized for the choice in a message shared as a Notes app screenshot on her Instagram grid.