diff --git a/source/org/jivesoftware/smackx/packet/MUCUser.java b/source/org/jivesoftware/smackx/packet/MUCUser.java
index 75ae770af..9179012ec 100644
--- a/source/org/jivesoftware/smackx/packet/MUCUser.java
+++ b/source/org/jivesoftware/smackx/packet/MUCUser.java
@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ public class MUCUser implements PacketExtension {
          * @return the reason for the item child.
          */
         public String getReason() {
-            return reason;
+            return reason == null ? "" : reason;
         }
 
         /**