Martha Stewart Blames “Today” Co-Host Craig Melvin for Her Controversial Halloween Costume
Martha Stewart Blames “Today” Co-Host Craig Melvin for Her Controversial Halloween Costume
Catherine SantinoWed, November 4, 2026 at 9:06 PM UTC
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Martha Stewart; Craig Melvin.Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty -
Martha Stewart is casting blame on Today show host Craig Melvin after facing backlash for dressing up as a homeless person for Halloween
Per TMZ, the lifestyle guru claimed that the costume she had planned to wear was “too dirty” after Melvin spilled chocolate on it on the Today show
In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Sunday, Nov. 1, Stewart said that she is “distressed” that the costume left some “offended”
Martha Stewart is casting blame on Today show host Craig Melvin after her Halloween costume faced backlash.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the lifestyle guru, 85, addressed her controversial homeless person costume while on stage at the CrossCountry Mortgage Sales Rally in Orlando, Fl. Stewart told the crowd that Melvin, 47, “spilled chocolate all over the sweater” she had planned to wear for Halloween when she appeared on the Today show’s Halloween special on Friday, Oct. 30.
In footage obtained by TMZ, the entrepreneur said that due to the spill, the sweater was “too dirty” to wear to the Halloween party she was attending. She explained that she had “only 10 minutes” to get ready for the gathering, so she figured that the “easiest costume” was “a bum.”
“I looked at myself. I said, ‘You really look hungry and homeless. So I wrote a sign that said ‘I’m hungry,’” she recalled.
Stewart laughed as she added, “Boy, did that go off [on social media].”
PEOPLE reached out to Melvin, but he could not be reached for comment. A rep for Stewart did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
During the Oct. 30 Today show segment, Stewart showed Melvin, who was dressed as her friend Snoop Dogg at the Olympics, some festive Halloween recipes, including how to decorate a spiderweb on a cheesecake. Co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly also appeared.
Martha Stewart and Craig Melbin on the ‘Today’ show.Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
“Somebody forgot the chocolate ganache,” Stewart, who was dressed as herself at the Olympics in white pants and a white shirt with an American flag on it, said while preparing to decorate her cheesecake.
“Oh no,” Melvin said, before spotting a piping bag filled with ganache under the dessert.
He said, “It’s right here,” before grabbing the bag from the top and attempting to hand it to Stewart. “Oh, there it is,” she said.
“Whoa!” they both exclaimed as the ganache spilled on Stewart’s white pants. “Snoop!” she scolded Melvin.
“I’m so sorry, Martha,” Melvin replied, bringing his hand to cover his mouth.
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Later in the segment, Melvin told Stewart, “I just feel so bad that I destroyed your $3,000 pants.”
“Don’t worry about it; they wash,” Stewart replied, before laughing.
Martha Stewart on Instagram.Credit: Martha Stewart/Instagram
Stewart drew backlash after she dressed up as a homeless person and posted a photo of the look on Instagram on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The since-deleted photo, captured by outlets including TMZ, showed Stewart wearing ripped jeans and makeup, giving the illusion of dirt on her face, while holding up a sign that read: “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Sunday, Nov. 1, Stewart said her costume was “intended to bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness,” and she is now “distressed” that the costume left some “offended.”
“I’ve spent decades teaching others how to celebrate Halloween — sharing fun, festive recipes, providing unique craft ideas and giving tips on entertaining and hosting to make the most of one of my favorite holidays of the year,” Stewart said.
She continued, “I am distressed that my Halloween costume yesterday, which was intended to bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness, has offended people, which was never my intention.
“Homelessness continues to remain one of America’s greatest challenges and ongoing crises, something that I care deeply about and I have spent a significant amount of time and effort supporting charities that combat this ongoing social epidemic,” the lifestyle guru added. “I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Hours later, Stewart shared a follow-up statement on her Instagram, writing, “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,” she continued. “Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I’m very sorry.”
According to TMZ, Stewart shared the image of her costume along with photos promoting candles she sells on QVC.
In the caption of her post, she wrote, per the outlet, “My QVC candles are perfect for Halloween!!!”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
