Martha Stewart apologizes for dressing as homeless person for Halloween after getting backlash

(CNN) — Martha Stewart apologized after she dressed as a homeless person for Halloween.

Stewart, 85, posted a photo of herself on Instagram wearing distressed jeans and makeup resembling dirt while holding a sign that read, “I am hungry, help me!!”

The since-deleted Instagram post also promoted her candle collection in the caption.

The costume sparked backlash online, with many people calling it tone-deaf.

Stewart initially told Page Six that the costume was intended to raise awareness about homelessness, saying she was “distressed” that it offended people.

She later acknowledged on Instagram that her first statement to Page Six did not go far enough and issued an apology.

“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough. I know many people are economically struggling. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry,” she wrote on Instagram.