diff --git a/privatemsg.theme.inc b/privatemsg.theme.inc
index dfe000e..59099b7 100644
--- a/privatemsg.theme.inc
+++ b/privatemsg.theme.inc
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ function theme_privatemsg_username($variables) {
     $recipient->uid = $recipient->recipient;
   }
   if (!empty($options['plain'])) {
-    $name = check_plain(format_username($recipient));
+    $name = strip_tags(format_username($recipient));
     if (!empty($options['unique'])) {
       $name .= ' [user]';
     }