diff --git a/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/utils.ex b/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/utils.ex
index 266667f81..d6ac2dd8c 100644
--- a/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/utils.ex
+++ b/lib/pleroma/web/activity_pub/utils.ex
@@ -37,6 +37,11 @@ def recipient_in_message(ap_id, params) do
       recipient_in_collection(ap_id, params["bcc"]) ->
         true
 
+      # if the message is unaddressed at all, then assume it is directly addressed
+      # to the recipient
+      !params["to"] && !params["cc"] && !params["bto"] && !params["bcc"] ->
+        true
+
       true ->
         false
     end