diff --git a/openpype/hosts/blender/plugins/load/load_rig.py b/openpype/hosts/blender/plugins/load/load_rig.py
index fe58d0f0a7..306c4aa03b 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/blender/plugins/load/load_rig.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/blender/plugins/load/load_rig.py
@@ -99,7 +99,8 @@ class BlendRigLoader(plugin.AssetLoader):
                             constraint.target = local_obj
 
                 for material_slot in local_obj.material_slots:
-                    plugin.prepare_data(material_slot.material, group_name)
+                    if material_slot.material:
+                        plugin.prepare_data(material_slot.material, group_name)
             elif obj.type == 'ARMATURE':
                 plugin.prepare_data(local_obj.data, group_name)