diff --git a/auth/permissions.py b/auth/permissions.py
index ae398092d..f970450af 100644
--- a/auth/permissions.py
+++ b/auth/permissions.py
@@ -89,6 +89,8 @@ class QuayDeferredPermissionUser(Identity):
     if not self._permissions_loaded:
       logger.debug('Loading user permissions after deferring.')
       user_object = model.get_user_by_uuid(self.id)
+      if user_object is None:
+        return super(QuayDeferredPermissionUser, self).can(permission)
 
       # Add the superuser need, if applicable.
       if (user_object.username is not None and