diff --git a/code/datums/chatmessage.dm b/code/datums/chatmessage.dm
index 9e632d66ca5..b11a93a9ae0 100644
--- a/code/datums/chatmessage.dm
+++ b/code/datums/chatmessage.dm
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@
 	approx_lines = max(1, mheight / CHAT_MESSAGE_APPROX_LHEIGHT)
 
 	// Translate any existing messages upwards, apply exponential decay factors to timers
-	message_loc = target
+	message_loc = get_atom_on_turf(target)
 	if (owned_by.seen_messages)
 		var/idx = 1
 		var/combined_height = approx_lines