diff --git a/classes/Notice.php b/classes/Notice.php
index 58ae75fa68..a7c678e1cf 100644
--- a/classes/Notice.php
+++ b/classes/Notice.php
@@ -2474,7 +2474,7 @@ class Notice extends Managed_DataObject
             $author = $this->getProfile();
 
             if ($author->hasRole(Profile_role::SILENCED)) {
-                if (!$profile->hasRole(Profile_role::MODERATOR)) {
+                if (empty($profile) || !$profile->hasRole(Profile_role::MODERATOR)) {
                     return true;
                 }
             }