diff --git a/app/models/common_tagging.rb b/app/models/common_tagging.rb
index d297518092e..6780d4e10ef 100644
--- a/app/models/common_tagging.rb
+++ b/app/models/common_tagging.rb
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def update_wrangler
   end
 
   def update_child_autocomplete
-    common_tag.refresh_autocomplete
+    common_tag&.refresh_autocomplete
   end
 
   # A relationship should inherit its characters' fandoms