diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/decals/contraband.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/decals/contraband.dm
index cd3618c9366..b8ecb7f60b9 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/decals/contraband.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/decals/contraband.dm
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@
 		if(ruined || !user.Adjacent(src))
 			return
 
-		visible_message("<span class='warning'>[user] rips [src] in a single, decisive motion!</span>" )
+		visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [user] rips \the [src] in a single, decisive motion!</span>" )
 		playsound(src.loc, 'sound/items/poster_ripped.ogg', 100, 1)
 		ruined = 1
 		icon_state = "poster_ripped"