The hidden ways social media is reshaping how we celebrate Halloween
Celebrity event designer Edward Perotti, known as the “King of Halloween,” argues that Halloween has shifted from a celebration of personal expression and creativity into an over-commercialized, algorithm-driven spectacle. He criticizes retailers for pushing Halloween merchandise earlier every year and social media for encouraging clout-chasing displays, saying both trends diminish the holiday’s unique freedom from the obligations, gifts and elaborate meals associated with other celebrations. Perotti encourages people to reclaim Halloween by living in the moment, “shopping their home,” creatively reusing old decorations and focusing on authentic self-expression and community rather than pre-packaged aesthetics.
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Martha Stewart is addressing the backlash over her controversial Halloween costume, saying she intended to “bring more awareness” to homelessness.
The 85-year-old businesswoman and television personality sparked outrage after sharing — and later deleting — a photo of herself dressed in ripped jeans, a distressed button-down shirt, with a sign that read, “I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!”
The image was included in an Instagram carousel promoting Stewart’s QVC candles. The post was quickly removed after a wave of criticism flooded her comment section.
MARTHA STEWART QUESTIONS MEGHAN MARKLE’S HOMEMAKING CREDENTIALS WITH BLUNT CAREER ASSESSMENT
Martha Stewart’s Halloween costume has sparked outrage online, with some dubbing the TV personality as “out of touch.” (Getty Image; Martha Stewart Instagram)
Stewart later addressed the controversy in a statement to Page Six.
“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.
“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 continued.
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“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,” Stewart added. “I am committed to continuing to make a difference.”
Stewart claimed her costume was meant to “bring more awareness” to such a major issue. (Katie Jones/WWD via Getty Images)
Despite Stewart’s explanation, the costume continued to spark criticism online.
“Definitely tasteless. Of all the things she could have done,” one person wrote on X.
“Really? Is she that dense and misguided? You NEVER dress up as someone poor, sick or in dire circumstances. Never a fan but now disgusted,” another person wrote.
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“Just say that you’re sorry and you didn’t mean to upset anyone. It was just a poorly thought-out costume. Pretending that it was to raise awareness is just a very stupid lie,” a critic wrote on Reddit.
“OMG, that’s the best she could come up with? Very lazy and condescending, thinking anyone would believe this explanation,” another person added.
Social media users both criticized and defended the TV personality. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SKIMS)
Others defended Stewart and argued that people were taking the costume too seriously.
“Gawd … people are way too sensitive!” one person wrote.
Another user described the costume as being “in good fun” and wrote, “Leave her the f— alone.”
“People are so thin-skinned. It’s Halloween and it’s a joke,” another person wrote.
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A representative for Stewart did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.