Stewart, 85, posted a photo of the costume on Instagram around Halloween. Accounts differ on whether that was October 30 or 31. The post also promoted her QVC candle collection, and she was holding a handwritten sign saying she was hungry. The wording of the sign varies between accounts, as do the details of the outfit: some describe a flannel shirt, ripped jeans and dirt on her face, others torn jeans, a cream cardigan and a black knit cap. The post was later deleted. The costume drew widespread criticism online, where users called it tone deaf and mocking of people who are homeless.

Stewart's first statement, dated November 1, defended the costume as an effort to "bring more awareness to the very serious subject of homelessness." She later posted a second statement on Instagram. Accounts quote it differently: in one it calls the costume "insensitive and not funny," and in another she says her earlier statement "didn't go far enough" and acknowledges the economic suffering of many people. In the statements she said she was distressed by the backlash and had not meant to make light of the problems facing the country. She also said she is committed to supporting charities that fight homelessness, and she asked her followers for forgiveness.

The costume's origin became a point of dispute. Speaking at a CrossCountry Mortgage Sales Rally in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, Stewart said she had only 10 minutes to get ready, told herself she looked hungry and homeless, and wrote a sign saying she was hungry. She said Melvin had spilled chocolate on the sweater she planned to wear, leaving her with the costume. She placed the spill during a Today broadcast on October 30.

On Friday she told Melvin that the chocolate remark was a joke. Melvin said there was no connection between the chocolate incident and her final costume. Stewart also said she had been short on time because of gardening and a party invitation, and that she had not planned an elaborate costume this year.

Stewart said she hoped the controversy would lead to "big steps" to better support poorer citizens. She is scheduled to return to Today next week for the show's annual All-Star Thanksgiving segment.