When Martha Stewart posted that thirst trap from her pool in East Hampton back in 2020, the internet basically broke. Here was a woman in her late 70s—pouty lips, dewy skin, and a look that said she knew exactly what she was doing. It sparked a whole new wave of fascination with her personal life. People started digging. They looked at her close bond with Snoop Dogg, her legendary dinner parties, and, inevitably, the question started popping up in search bars everywhere: is martha stewart gay? Honestly, it’s not a wild thing to wonder if you’re just looking at the vibes. She’s a fiercely independent billionaire who hasn’t had a public, long-term boyfriend in years. She surrounds herself with a glamorous, loyal circle of LGBTQ+ friends. She’s basically a queer icon for the way she turned "homemaking" into a cutthroat business empire. But if you're looking for a "coming out" story, you won't find one.
The short answer? Martha Stewart has never identified as gay. In fact, her dating history is a long, well-documented trail of high-powered men.
The Truth About Martha’s Romantic History
Martha’s love life hasn't exactly been a secret, though she’s become a pro at keeping the gritty details under wraps until she's ready to spill them. She was married to Andrew Stewart for 29 years. They met in 1960 and were the "it" couple for a long time. It wasn’t a fairy tale, though. In her 2024 Netflix documentary, Martha, she got incredibly candid, admitting she had an affair early in the marriage with a "very attractive Irish man."
She’s always been blunt about her preferences. She likes men who do things.
After the divorce from Andy in 1990, she didn't exactly go into hiding. She dated Sir Anthony Hopkins, but famously dumped him because she couldn't stop seeing him as Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs. Can you blame her? Imagine trying to have a nice risotto with a guy you keep picturing eating someone's liver.
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Then came the big one: Charles Simonyi. He’s the billionaire who basically created Microsoft Word and Excel. They were together for 15 years. They traveled the world, he took her on his private jet, and she even helped him design his massive yacht. It ended abruptly in 2008 when he told her—while they were in bed—that he was marrying a younger woman he'd never mentioned before. Cold.
Why the Rumors About Her Sexuality Persist
If she’s only ever dated men, why do people keep asking is martha stewart gay? It mostly comes down to her cultural status. Martha has a "gay son" named Kevin Sharkey. He’s not actually her son, but he’s her right-hand man and Executive Editorial Director. She’s joked about him being her surrogate son for years.
She has also been a massive ally way before it was trendy for brands to slap a rainbow on their logo. In 2009, Martha Stewart Weddings featured a same-sex wedding. That was a huge deal back then. It wasn't just some random couple, either—it was her own nephew, Christopher Herbert.
She’s spoken about her "1860s philosophy" on equality. Basically, she thinks everyone is equal and she doesn't care who you love, as long as you're not "idle." That’s her biggest turn-off.
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"I don't care who the person is; I care about what the person does, and how they do it." — Martha Stewart in a 2017 interview with Pride Source.
The "Independent Woman" Factor
In 2026, we’re still sort of obsessed with the idea that a woman needs a partner to be "complete." Martha flies in the face of that. She’s 84 and still posting sultry photos on Instagram. She told Jenna Bush Hager on Today in late 2025 that while people still slide into her DMs, she isn't dating anyone special.
She’s busy.
She’s got the farms, the TV shows, the CBD line, and the thirst traps to manage. For Martha, work has almost always come before romance. She’s admitted that she’s "not quite in that position" to take care of a man full-time because her schedule is just too packed.
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What We Know for Sure
So, is she? Based on every interview, book, and documentary she’s ever released, no. Martha Stewart identifies as a straight woman who has a very high bar for the men she lets into her life. She’s had the affairs, the long-term partners, and the messy divorce to prove her interest in the opposite sex.
But she also exists in a space where her gender performance doesn't fit the "traditional" mold. She isn't submissive. She isn't a "tradwife." She’s a boss who happens to know how to bake a perfect souffle. That energy—that "I don't need you, but I might use your jet" energy—is why she resonates so deeply with the LGBTQ+ community.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following Martha for more than just the gossip, here’s how to channel that Stewart energy:
- Prioritize your "doing": Martha values action over feelings. If you want to impress people (or yourself), focus on what you’re building or creating.
- Boundaries are key: She dumped a world-class actor because of a movie. You can dump someone for having bad breath or being "idle." It's okay to have dealbreakers.
- Support your circle: Martha’s loyalty to her gay friends and her family members shows that being an ally isn't about politics; it's about showing up for the people you love.
- Ignore the labels: Whether people think she's gay, straight, or a robot, Martha keeps moving. The best way to handle rumors is to just keep being successful.
If you want to see the real Martha, skip the tabloids and watch her documentary. It’s the closest we’ll ever get to seeing the woman behind the perfect gardens and the "billionaire" title. She’s complicated, she’s blunt, and she’s definitely not worried about what you’re googling about her.