Stewart Says Melvin’s Spill Led to Homeless Halloween Costume

Martha Stewart said at a sales rally in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, that a chocolate spill by Today co-host Craig Melvin disrupted her Halloween plans. She said Melvin got chocolate on a sweater she intended to wear to a party, and she considered it too dirty to use.

Stewart said she had only 10 minutes to get ready and chose what she described as the simplest costume: dressing as a homeless person. She added dirt to her face and carried a clipboard with a handwritten plea for help.

She posted a photo of the costume on Instagram, then removed it after receiving criticism. Some users described the outfit as insensitive and out of touch. Stewart apologized twice, but the second apology was also deleted after further backlash.

The chocolate incident took place during a cake-decorating segment on Today on October 30. Melvin was dressed as Snoop Dogg for the segment, and Stewart joked at the time about the spill. Representatives for Stewart and Melvin had not promptly answered requests for comment.