diff --git a/src/components/structures/TimelinePanel.js b/src/components/structures/TimelinePanel.js
index 9d929d313b..53ae240653 100644
--- a/src/components/structures/TimelinePanel.js
+++ b/src/components/structures/TimelinePanel.js
@@ -1136,7 +1136,7 @@ const TimelinePanel = createReactClass({
         const allowPartial = opts.allowPartial || false;
 
         const messagePanel = this._messagePanel.current;
-        if (messagePanel === undefined) return null;
+        if (!messagePanel) return null;
 
         const EventTile = sdk.getComponent('rooms.EventTile');