Martha Stewart clarified her remarks about Craig Melvin, insisting she did not blame the TODAY host for her controversial Halloween costume. After joking that a chocolate spill led to her last-minute costume choice, the lifestyle mogul said she had spoken with Melvin and that they were on good terms.
The 85-year-old addressed the backlash during a TODAY appearance, where Melvin asked why she had involved him in the controversy. Stewart explained that her earlier remarks were a joke and she apologized again for the costume itself.
Martha Stewart says Craig Melvin is fine after their talk
Speaking to TMZ on November 6, Stewart confirmed she had spoken with Melvin, saying “he’s OK.” She also claimed she had not received any hateful messages about the controversy. During an Orlando event on November 3, she claimed Melvin had spilled chocolate on the sweater she planned to wear for Halloween. With just 10 minutes to prepare for a party, she said the easiest option was to dress as a “bum.”
The outfit sparked criticism after Stewart posted a Halloween photo of herself wearing tattered clothes and dirty-looking makeup while holding a sign reading, “I Am Hungry Help Me!!” She also used the Instagram post to promote her QVC candle collection. In an earlier statement to Page Six, Stewart said the costume aimed to raise awareness about homelessness. She later admitted that her first response fell short, writing on Instagram, “Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry.”
During Friday’s TODAY show, Melvin, 47, asked, “Why was I dragged into it?” Stewart replied, “I was making a joke,” and insisted she did not “blame” him. Melvin clarified that there was “no connection” between the chocolate incident and her costume.
Stewart explained that she had spent Halloween gardening and planting trees at her farm before attending a party. Stewart revealed that her grandson had called the outfit “tone deaf.” She admitted, “It was just stupid,” and apologized for offending people. She also expressed hope that her followers and the rest of America would forgive her.
Stewart said the controversy taught her to “Pay closer attention to social issues.” Melvin thanked her for addressing the controversy and announced that she would return to TODAY the following week with Thanksgiving tips.
