diff --git a/code/datums/chat_message.dm b/code/datums/chat_message.dm
index 32e86c6457..f216ae01cf 100644
--- a/code/datums/chat_message.dm
+++ b/code/datums/chat_message.dm
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ var/list/runechat_image_cache = list()
   * * lifespan - The lifespan of the message in deciseconds
   */
 /datum/chatmessage/proc/generate_image(text, atom/target, mob/owner, list/extra_classes, lifespan)
+	set waitfor = FALSE
 
 	if(!target || !owner)
 		qdel(src)