diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm
index f213288d2eb..3972b7b01be 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/examine.dm
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@
 
 	if(print_flavor_text()) msg += "[print_flavor_text()]\n"
 
-	if (GLOB.config.allow_Metadata && client.prefs.metadata)
+	if(GLOB.config.allow_Metadata && client?.prefs.metadata)
 		msg += "<span class='deadsay'>OOC Notes:</span> <a href='?src=\ref[src];metadata=1'>\[View\]</a>\n"
 
 	msg += "</span>"
diff --git a/html/changelogs/example copy.yml b/html/changelogs/example copy.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..47801ef89f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/html/changelogs/example copy.yml	
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+author: SidVeld
+
+delete-after: True
+
+changes:
+  - bugfix: "Fixed an issue that caused the character examine message to disappear when the player controlling it is not in the body."