diff --git a/posts.py b/posts.py
index 6feebc671..6de1433c0 100644
--- a/posts.py
+++ b/posts.py
@@ -1458,13 +1458,19 @@ def _createPostBase(baseDir: str,
     for ccRemoval in removeFromCC:
         toCC.remove(ccRemoval)
 
-    if inReplyTo and isPublic:
-        # If this is a public post then get the actor being
-        # replied to end ensure that it is within the CC list
-        replyActor = _getActorFromInReplyTo(inReplyTo)
-        if replyActor:
-            if replyActor not in toCC:
-                toCC.append(replyActor)
+    if inReplyTo:
+        isPublic = False
+        for recipient in toRecipients:
+            if recipient.endswith('#Public'):
+                isPublic = True
+                break
+        if isPublic:
+            # If this is a public post then get the actor being
+            # replied to end ensure that it is within the CC list
+            replyActor = _getActorFromInReplyTo(inReplyTo)
+            if replyActor:
+                if replyActor not in toCC:
+                    toCC.append(replyActor)
 
     # the type of post to be made
     postObjectType = 'Note'