Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Martha Stewart

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Martha Stewart.

Martha Stewart is an American businesswoman, writer, and television personality best known for founding Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Her company focuses on home and hospitality, achieving success through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She authored bestselling books, published *Martha Stewart Living* magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like *Martha Stewart Living* and *The Martha Stewart Show*, solidifying her brand as a lifestyle expert.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 27, 2001: Stewart Sells ImClone Systems Stock

On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all 3,928 shares of her ImClone Systems stock, avoiding a loss of $45,673, after receiving material, nonpublic information. The stock value fell 16% the following day.

June 25, 2002: Stewart Grilled About ImClone on The Early Show

On June 25, 2002, CBS anchor Jane Clayson questioned Martha Stewart about the ImClone stock trading case during her regular segment on The Early Show.

October 3, 2002: Stewart Resigns from New York Stock Exchange Board

On October 3, 2002, Martha Stewart resigned from her position on the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange, following a deal prosecutors had made with Douglas Faneuil.

June 4, 2003: Stewart Indicted by Grand Jury

On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted by a grand jury on nine counts, including charges of obstruction of justice, related to the ImClone stock trading case.

January 2004: Stewart's Trial Begins

In January 2004, Martha Stewart went on trial on charges including obstruction of justice related to the ImClone case. Prosecutors aimed to show that Stewart was informed about ImClone's CEO selling his shares before an adverse FDA ruling.

March 2004: Stewart Found Guilty

In March 2004, after a six-week jury trial, Martha Stewart was found guilty of felony charges including conspiracy to obstruct, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.

July 2004: Stewart Sentenced

In July 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to a five-month term in a federal correctional facility and a two-year period of supervised release (including five months of electronic monitoring) after being found guilty of felony charges.

2004: Stewart Confined to Federal Prison Camp

In 2004, Martha Stewart was confined to Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, after her lawyer's request for incarceration in Connecticut or Florida was denied. The remoteness of Alderson made it difficult for her then-90-year-old mother to visit.

2004: Beam v. Stewart Derivative Suit Dismissed

In 2004, Monica Beam, a shareholder of MSLO, brought a derivative suit against Stewart and other directors and officers of the company. It went before the Supreme Court of Delaware and was ultimately dismissed.

March 2005: Martha Stewart Released from Prison

In March 2005, Martha Stewart was released from federal prison after serving five months for felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case.

August 2006: SEC Settles Civil Case Against Stewart

In August 2006, the SEC announced that it had agreed to settle the related civil case against Martha Stewart. Stewart agreed to disgorge $58,062 and pay a civil penalty of $137,019, and was banned for five years from serving as an officer of any public company.

June 2008: Stewart Denied UK Visa

In June 2008, the UK Border Agency refused to grant Martha Stewart a visa to enter the United Kingdom due to her criminal conviction for obstructing justice.