Martha Stewart has apologized after a Halloween photo of her dressed as a homeless person drew a backlash online, NBC News and The Guardian report.

The photo showed Stewart in torn clothes, holding a clipboard with a sign that read "I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!" NBC News reports. It was the third photo in a set she posted on Instagram to promote her candles sold on QVC, according to NBC News. The post has since been taken down.

Stewart, who is 85, posted the photos on October 31, The Guardian reports. The photo quickly drew criticism online. The Guardian notes that she is worth an estimated $400 million, and that at least 770,000 people are homeless in the United States.

In a first statement to NBC News, Stewart said she was "distressed" by the reaction. She said the costume was "intended to bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness." She said it had offended people, "which was never my intention." She added, "I am committed to continuing to make a difference."

The Guardian says that first statement fell short of an apology. Stewart then posted a second statement on Instagram. "It's hard to admit when you've really screwed up," she wrote, according to The Guardian. "My earlier statement didn't go far enough." She called the costume "insensitive and not funny" and said, "I'm very sorry."

NBC News also reports on another costume that drew attention this year. A family dressed as President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy and their children, with the mother in the pink outfit Jacqueline Kennedy wore the day he was killed.

What we know: Stewart removed the post and apologized after a second statement.
What we don't: Whether the backlash will affect her business deals, such as her candle line.