diff --git a/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/activity_pub.ex b/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/activity_pub.ex
index 168653035..a0d36d03a 100644
--- a/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/activity_pub.ex
+++ b/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/activity_pub.ex
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ def make_user_from_nickname(nickname) do
   end
 
   def publish(actor, activity) do
-    followers = if user.follower_address in activity.recipients do
+    followers = if actor.follower_address in activity.recipients do
       {:ok, followers} = User.get_followers(actor)
       followers
     else