diff --git a/frappe/desk/form/assign_to.py b/frappe/desk/form/assign_to.py
index 3c9e4f6768..655d81a7ab 100644
--- a/frappe/desk/form/assign_to.py
+++ b/frappe/desk/form/assign_to.py
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ def add(args=None, *, ignore_permissions=False):
 		else:
 			from frappe.utils import nowdate
 
-			description = str(args.get("description", ""))
+			description = args.get("description") or ""
 			has_content = strip_html(description) or "<img" in description
 			if not has_content:
 				args["description"] = _("Assignment for {0} {1}").format(args["doctype"], args["name"])