diff --git a/src/activitypub/notes.js b/src/activitypub/notes.js
index 1c0b859d83..327b51e31e 100644
--- a/src/activitypub/notes.js
+++ b/src/activitypub/notes.js
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Notes.assert = async (uid, input, options = { skipChecks: false }) => {
 	mainPid = utils.isNumber(mainPid) ? parseInt(mainPid, 10) : mainPid;
 
 	// Relation & privilege check for local categories
-	const hasRelation = options.skipChecks || hasTid || await assertRelation(chain[0]);
+	const hasRelation = options.skipChecks || options.cid || hasTid || await assertRelation(chain[0]);
 	const privilege = `topics:${tid ? 'reply' : 'create'}`;
 	const allowed = await privileges.categories.can(privilege, cid, activitypub._constants.uid);
 	if (!hasRelation || !allowed) {