diff --git a/lib/pleroma/user.ex b/lib/pleroma/user.ex
index 779a89a12..b21caba9d 100644
--- a/lib/pleroma/user.ex
+++ b/lib/pleroma/user.ex
@@ -142,9 +142,9 @@ def register_changeset(struct, params \\ %{}) do
     end
   end
 
-  def follow(%User{} = follower, %User{} = followed) do
+  def follow(%User{} = follower, %User{info: info} = followed) do
     ap_followers = followed.follower_address
-    if following?(follower, followed) do
+    if following?(follower, followed) or info["deactivated"] do
       {:error,
        "Could not follow user: #{followed.nickname} is already on your list."}
     else
diff --git a/test/user_test.exs b/test/user_test.exs
index 6daf1ecb7..486998907 100644
--- a/test/user_test.exs
+++ b/test/user_test.exs
@@ -39,6 +39,13 @@ test "follow takes a user and another user" do
     assert User.ap_followers(followed) in user.following
   end
 
+  test "can't follow a deactivated users" do
+    user = insert(:user)
+    followed = insert(:user, info: %{"deactivated" => true})
+
+    {:error, _} = User.follow(user, followed)
+  end
+
   test "following a remote user will ensure a websub subscription is present" do
     user = insert(:user)
     {:ok, followed} = OStatus.make_user("shp@social.heldscal.la")