diff --git a/modules/juce_events/native/juce_mac_MessageManager.mm b/modules/juce_events/native/juce_mac_MessageManager.mm
index adb5a45f8f..628da61a15 100644
--- a/modules/juce_events/native/juce_mac_MessageManager.mm
+++ b/modules/juce_events/native/juce_mac_MessageManager.mm
@@ -239,6 +239,8 @@ void MessageManager::runDispatchLoop()
 
 void MessageManager::stopDispatchLoop()
 {
+    jassert (isThisTheMessageThread()); // must only be called by the message thread
+
     quitMessagePosted = true;
    #if ! JUCE_PROJUCER_LIVE_BUILD
     [NSApp stop: nil];