diff --git a/spec/support/controller_helpers.rb b/spec/support/controller_helpers.rb
index dc301e11..ed0d137a 100644
--- a/spec/support/controller_helpers.rb
+++ b/spec/support/controller_helpers.rb
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ module ControllerHelpers
         receive(:authenticate!).and_throw(:warden, scope: :user)
       )
     else # simulate authenticated
+      allow_message_expectations_on_nil
       allow(request.env['warden']).to(
         receive(:authenticate!).and_return(user)
       )