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. She is the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, a company focused on home and hospitality. Stewart achieved success through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She is the author of several bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine, and hosted the TV shows Martha Stewart Living (1993-2004) and The Martha Stewart Show (2005-2012).
December 27, 2001: ImClone Stock Sale
On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all 3,928 shares of her ImClone Systems stock after receiving nonpublic information, avoiding a loss of $45,673 according to the SEC.
June 25, 2002: Grilled on The Early Show
On June 25, 2002, CBS anchor Jane Clayson questioned Martha Stewart about ImClone during her regular segment on The Early Show.
October 3, 2002: Resignation from NYSE Board
On October 3, 2002, Martha Stewart resigned from her position on the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange.
June 4, 2003: Indictment by Grand Jury
On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted by a grand jury on nine counts, including charges of obstruction of justice.
January 2004: Trial Begins
In January 2004, Martha Stewart's trial began.
March 2004: Guilty Verdict
In March 2004, Martha Stewart was found guilty of felony charges of conspiracy to obstruct, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.
July 2004: Sentencing
In July 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to serve a five-month term in a federal correctional facility and a two-year period of supervised release.
October 8, 2004: Stewart Reports to Prison
On October 8, 2004, Martha Stewart reported to FPC Alderson to begin serving her prison sentence.
2004: Conviction in ImClone Case
In 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case.
2004: Derivative Suit Dismissed
In 2004, a derivative suit brought against Martha Stewart and other MSLO officers was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Delaware.
2004: Incarceration Location
In 2004, despite Stewart's preference, she was incarcerated in Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia.
March 4, 2005: Stewart Released From Prison
On March 4, 2005, Martha Stewart was released from FPC Alderson at 12:30 AM and was placed in a two-year term of supervised release, including home confinement.
August 2006: SEC Settlement
In August 2006, the SEC announced that it had agreed to settle the related civil case against Martha Stewart, resulting in disgorgement of $58,062 and a civil penalty of $137,019, along with a five-year ban from serving as an officer of any public company.
June 2008: UK Visa Refusal
In June 2008, the UK Border Agency refused to grant Martha Stewart a visa to enter the United Kingdom because of her criminal conviction for obstructing justice.
September 2022: Lawsuit by Wyld Against Canopy Growth
In September 2022, Oregon-based CBD producer Wyld filed a lawsuit against Canopy Growth for copyright infringement relating to the packaging of Martha Stewart's line of CBD products.
