Martha Stewart Apologizes on ‘Today’ After Blaming Craig Melvin for Halloween Costume Backlash

An apology live from Studio 1A

November 7, 2026 · 5:30 a.m. Central

Martha Stewart made an in-person appearance on NBC’s Today show on Friday morning to apologize directly for a controversial Halloween costume and to clear co-host Craig Melvin’s name after joking that he had forced her into the outfit.

Speaking live from Studio 1A in Manhattan with Melvin sitting alongside her, Stewart took full accountability for an image she posted on October 31 showing her dressed in shredded clothing with smeared makeup and a handwritten cardboard sign reading, “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!”

“I made a mistake. I was stupid; what else can I say?” Stewart said during the broadcast. “I am so sorry, and I hope that my followers and my fans and the rest of America forgives me for doing something that was not meant in any way to be a bad thing.”

The costume firestorm and Orlando remarks

The controversy ignited immediately after Stewart uploaded the photo to her social media accounts on Halloween. Critics condemned the get-up as tone-deaf and mocking toward individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Stewart removed the post shortly after publication.

However, the issue resurfaced days later during a corporate speaking appearance in Orlando, Florida. Stewart told the audience that she had put together the impromptu outfit because Melvin had accidentally spilled chocolate sauce onto her intended sweater during an October 30 Today cooking segment.

The comment prompted headlines and social media speculation that Melvin was somehow responsible for the costume choice.

Clearing the air with Melvin

During Friday’s broadcast, Melvin brought up the remark directly, asking Stewart why he had been pulled into the public controversy.

“I don't blame you at all,” Stewart told Melvin. “It was a joke, and it wasn't your fault.”

Stewart also admitted that her family had tried to stop her before the post ever went live, sharing that her grandson had specifically warned her that dressing up in such a manner would be viewed as insensitive and offensive by the public.

Timeline of the controversy

October 30, 2026: Stewart appears on Today for a pre-Halloween cooking segment with Melvin.
October 31, 2026: Stewart publishes and quickly deletes the “I AM HUNGRY” costume photo on Instagram following public backlash.
November 4, 2026: At an Orlando speaking event, Stewart jokingly links the costume to Melvin.
November 6, 2026: Stewart joins Melvin on Today at Studio 1A to apologize and clarify that Melvin bore no blame.