diff --git a/zerver/lib/actions.py b/zerver/lib/actions.py
index 654556215f..d9b025c71c 100644
--- a/zerver/lib/actions.py
+++ b/zerver/lib/actions.py
@@ -716,7 +716,8 @@ def check_message(sender, client, message_type_name, message_to,
         elif subscribed_to_stream(sender, stream):
             # Or it is private, but your are subscribed
             pass
-        elif is_super_user(sender) or is_super_user(forwarder_user_profile):
+        elif is_super_user(sender) or (forwarder_user_profile is not None and
+                                       is_super_user(forwarder_user_profile)):
             # Or this request is being done on behalf of a super user
             pass
         elif sender.is_bot and subscribed_to_stream(sender.bot_owner, stream):