diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/emote.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/emote.dm
index 480836edcf..c656dd7494 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/emote.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/emote.dm
@@ -522,6 +522,8 @@
 
 /datum/emote/living/slap/run_emote(mob/user, params)
 	. = ..()
+	if(!.)
+		return
 	var/obj/item/slapper/N = new(user)
 	if(user.put_in_hands(N))
 		to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>You ready your slapping hand.</span>")