diff --git a/mod/forum/classes/local/exporters/author.php b/mod/forum/classes/local/exporters/author.php
index 31352c09ba4..66f39dedc02 100644
--- a/mod/forum/classes/local/exporters/author.php
+++ b/mod/forum/classes/local/exporters/author.php
@@ -165,13 +165,11 @@ class author extends exporter {
                 $groups = array_map(function($group) use ($urlfactory, $context, $output) {
                     $imageurl = null;
                     $groupurl = null;
+
                     if (!$group->hidepicture) {
                         $imageurl = get_group_picture_url($group, $group->courseid, true);
-                        if (empty($imageurl)) {
-                            // Get a generic group image URL.
-                            $imageurl = $output->image_url('g/g1');
-                        }
                     }
+
                     if (course_can_view_participants($context)) {
                         $groupurl = $urlfactory->get_author_group_url($group);
                     }