Martha Stewart has apologised after facing criticism for dressing as a homeless person for Halloween, admitting that her costume was insensitive and inappropriate.

The 85-year-old American lifestyle personality shared photographs of her costume on Instagram on October 31.

The images showed Stewart with a dirty face, ripped jeans and a beanie, holding a sign reading: “I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!” The post also promoted her candle range.

The costume quickly attracted criticism, with social media users questioning her decision to portray homelessness as a Halloween outfit.

One commenter asked: “Why do you think poor people who are dying on the side of the road are a costume?” Another wrote: “Read the room Martha, people are struggling out here.”

Stewart initially defended her costume in a statement shared with Page Six and People magazine, saying it was intended to raise awareness of homelessness.

“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,” she said.

However, Stewart later issued a further statement on Instagram, acknowledging that her earlier response had not gone far enough.

“It’s hard to admit when you’ve really screwed up. My earlier statement didn’t go far enough,” she wrote.

“I know many people are economically struggling. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I’m very sorry.”

Official figures indicate that at least 770,000 people are homeless across the United States, highlighting the wider social issue behind the controversy.