diff --git a/static/js/compose_fade.js b/static/js/compose_fade.js
index 3da2b2291e..8d708d3b07 100644
--- a/static/js/compose_fade.js
+++ b/static/js/compose_fade.js
@@ -119,7 +119,13 @@ exports.would_receive_message = function (email) {
     if (focused_recipient.type === 'stream') {
         var user = people.realm_get(email);
         var sub = stream_data.get_sub(focused_recipient.stream);
-        if (user && sub && user.is_bot && !sub.invite_only) {
+        if (!sub) {
+            // If the stream isn't valid, there is no risk of a mix
+            // yet, so don't fade.
+            return undefined;
+        }
+
+        if (user && user.is_bot && !sub.invite_only) {
             // Bots may receive messages on public streams even if they are
             // not subscribed.
             return undefined;