diff --git a/core/java/android/webkit/WebViewClassic.java b/core/java/android/webkit/WebViewClassic.java
index 057f4f455d673..0bdcdee72994b 100644
--- a/core/java/android/webkit/WebViewClassic.java
+++ b/core/java/android/webkit/WebViewClassic.java
@@ -4355,7 +4355,9 @@ public final class WebViewClassic implements WebViewProvider, WebViewProvider.Sc
     }
 
     private void removeTouchHighlight() {
-        mWebViewCore.removeMessages(EventHub.HIT_TEST);
+        if (mWebViewCore != null) {
+            mWebViewCore.removeMessages(EventHub.HIT_TEST);
+        }
         mPrivateHandler.removeMessages(HIT_TEST_RESULT);
         setTouchHighlightRects(null);
     }