Martha Stewart explains 'Today' host's role in Halloween costume controversy

Martha Stewart says chocolate spill on 'Today' show prompted her controversial Halloween costume

Martha Stewart has explained how a chocolate spill involving Today show co-anchor Craig Melvin influenced her controversial Halloween costume, which attracted criticism for appearing to mock people experiencing homelessness.

The 85-year-old television personality addressed the incident during an appearance at the CrossCountry Mortgage Sales Rally in Orlando, Florida, on November 3.

She explained that she had originally planned to wear a different outfit but had to find an alternative after Melvin accidentally spilled chocolate on her sweater.

"He spilled chocolate all over my sweater, which I was going to wear on Halloween night," Stewart said in a video shared by TMZ.

"So when I picked up the sweater I said, 'Oh god it's so dirty and I only have 10 minutes to get dressed up for this Halloween party,' so the easiest costume was to get dressed up as bum."

Stewart was referring to her October 30 appearance on the Today show, where Melvin, dressed as Snoop Dogg, accidentally spilled chocolate ganache while helping her decorate a cheesecake.

She also recalled looking at her outfit before deciding to carry a sign reading "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!". "I looked at myself. I said, 'You really look hungry and homeless.' So I wrote a sign that said 'I'm hungry,' and boy, did that go off."

The costume sparked criticism after Stewart shared a photograph of herself wearing ripped jeans, a cream cardigan and a black knit cap on October 31. Critics accused her of making light of homelessness.

Stewart initially told People that the costume was intended to "bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness", while also highlighting her support for charities addressing the issue.

However, she later issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the impact of her outfit.

"It's hard to admit when you've really screwed up," she wrote. "I know many people are suffering economically. Wearing a costume like I did was insensitive and not funny. I am very sorry."