diff --git a/bookwyrm/activitypub/verbs.py b/bookwyrm/activitypub/verbs.py
index c2cbfea31..090beea5f 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/activitypub/verbs.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/activitypub/verbs.py
@@ -176,7 +176,8 @@ class Remove(Add):
     def action(self):
         """ find and remove the activity object """
         obj = self.object.to_model(save=False, allow_create=False)
-        obj.delete()
+        if obj:
+            obj.delete()
 
 
 @dataclass(init=False)
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_activitypub_mixin.py b/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_activitypub_mixin.py
index 0d1acd978..e172ede96 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_activitypub_mixin.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_activitypub_mixin.py
@@ -155,8 +155,8 @@ class ActivitypubMixins(TestCase):
 
         recipients = ActivitypubMixin.get_recipients(mock_self)
         self.assertEqual(len(recipients), 2)
-        self.assertEqual(recipients[0], another_remote_user.inbox)
-        self.assertEqual(recipients[1], self.remote_user.inbox)
+        self.assertTrue(another_remote_user.inbox in recipients)
+        self.assertTrue(self.remote_user.inbox in recipients)
 
     def test_get_recipients_direct(self, _):
         """ determines the recipients for a user's object broadcast """