diff --git a/r2/r2/models/report.py b/r2/r2/models/report.py
index 2a4b307dd..64ada8b7f 100644
--- a/r2/r2/models/report.py
+++ b/r2/r2/models/report.py
@@ -72,7 +72,8 @@ class Report(MultiRelation('report',
             author._incr('reported')
 
         item_age = datetime.now(g.tz) - thing._date
-        if item_age.days < g.REPORT_AGE_LIMIT and not thing.ignore_reports:
+        ignore_reports = getattr(thing, 'ignore_reports', False)
+        if item_age.days < g.REPORT_AGE_LIMIT and not ignore_reports:
             # update the reports queue if it exists
             queries.new_report(thing, r)