diff --git a/third_party/python/Lib/site.py b/third_party/python/Lib/site.py
index 66ccbe414..c9b30c42e 100644
--- a/third_party/python/Lib/site.py
+++ b/third_party/python/Lib/site.py
@@ -123,6 +123,9 @@ def removeduppaths():
         # Filter out duplicate paths (on case-insensitive file systems also
         # if they only differ in case); turn relative paths into absolute
         # paths.
+        if dir.startswith("zip!"): # don't absolutize, look within the APE!
+            L.append(dir)
+            continue
         dir, dircase = makepath(dir)
         if not dircase in known_paths:
             L.append(dir)