diff --git a/files/classes/comment.py b/files/classes/comment.py
index 9fc283537..1c9bb94ca 100644
--- a/files/classes/comment.py
+++ b/files/classes/comment.py
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@ class Comment(Base):
 		if any([x in self.body for x in v.filter_words]):
 			return True
 		
-		if self.is_banned or self.author.shadowbanned: return True
+		if self.is_banned or (self.author and self.author.shadowbanned): return True
 		
 		return False