diff --git a/code/game/machinery/colormate.dm b/code/game/machinery/colormate.dm
index ad90678d1f..8b6db6e45e 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/colormate.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/colormate.dm
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@
 			return
 		if(!QDELETED(H))
 			H.release()
-		insert_mob(H, user)
+		insert_mob(victim, user)
 
 	if(is_type_in_list(I, allowed_types) && is_operational())
 		if(!user.transferItemToLoc(I, src))