Martha Stewart was not only imprisoned in 2004; she also spent time in solitary confinement.
“I was dragged into solitary, no food or water,” she claimed in the film, per People magazine.
MARTHA STEWART ADMITS SHE HAD AN AFFAIR DURING MARRIAGE BUT EX ‘NEVER KNEW ABOUT’ IT
Martha Stewart is photographed in 2004 after being sentenced to five months in prison. (Brian ZAK/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
In the documentary, Stewart narrated some of the many letters she personally wrote over the years, including those written while she was incarcerated.
“Physical exam, stripped of all clothes. Squat, arms out, cough — embarrassing,” she wrote of her first day locked up. In an on-camera interview, Stewart confirmed that her depiction on the big screen accurately portrayed her experiences.
“I had to do all that crap that you see in the movies. You can’t even believe that that’s what you’re going through,” she recalled.
“Martha” director R.J. Cutler and Martha Stewart appear at the New York premiere of the documentary on Oct. 21. (Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty Images)
Stewart also recounted how she was disciplined after an interaction with two female guards.
“Today I saw two very well-dressed ladies walking and I breezed by them, remarking on the beautiful warm morning and how nice they looked. When I realized from the big silver keychain that they were guards, I lightly brushed the chain,” she recalled. “Later I was called in to be told never, ever touch a guard without expecting severe reprimand.”
Martha Stewart recalls the interaction that landed her in solitary confinement. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Stewart expressed that she apologized and moved on, considering she thought “the incident was so minor when it occurred.” However, she was subsequently placed in solitary confinement.
“I was dragged into solitary for touching an officer,” Stewart claimed. “No food or water for a day. This was Camp Cupcake, remember? That was the nickname. Camp Cupcake. It was not a cupcake.”
An exterior shot of Alderson Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, referred to by many as “Camp Cupcake” for its grounds. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for a comment on Stewart’s claims. Although they would not comment on the actual incident involving Stewart, they stated that the prison “confines offenders in facilities that are safe and humane.”
“Every individual is provided with the basic necessities of life including regular meals three times a day and access to potable water regardless of where they are housed,” they continued.
The food in prison troubled Martha Stewart, who is known for her famous recipes. (Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty Images)
Of those regular meals, Stewart was not impressed.
“What worries me is the very poor quality of the food and the unavailability of fresh anything, with many starches, many carbs, and many fatty foods. No pure anything,” she stated in one of her letters.
The “Martha” documentary will be released on Netflix on October 30.
Guest Discussions
Dr. Susan Baker, Psychologist:
Discussion Topic: The psychological impact of solitary confinement.
Dr. Baker: “Martha’s experience highlights the psychological toll of isolation. Solitary confinement can lead to severe anxiety and depression, impacting an individual’s mental health long after their confinement.”James Danielson, Former Prison Guard:
Discussion Topic: Life inside prison and the realities behind “Camp Cupcake.”
James: “While it might have been dubbed ‘Camp Cupcake,’ it’s important to understand that every prison has its rules. Interactions like Martha’s with guards, if deemed inappropriate, can have serious consequences.”Laura Jenkins, Legal Analyst:
Discussion Topic: The legalities surrounding prisoner treatment.
Laura: “Prisons are generally required to maintain humane conditions, but enforcement can vary. It raises questions about accountability when high-profile inmates like Stewart report different experiences.”- Mark Roberts, Culinary Expert:
Discussion Topic: The food quality in prisons.
Mark: “It’s surprising to hear a food expert like Martha criticize prison cuisine. Such comments shine a light on broader issues of nutrition within correctional institutions.”
Reader Engagement
What are your thoughts on Martha’s experience and the conditions of solitary confinement? Do you believe there should be reforms in prison treatment? Share your insights in the comments below!