diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py
index c93ca5f308..94192c368e 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/django_comment_client/base/views.py
@@ -91,7 +91,8 @@ def create_thread(request, course_id, commentable_id):
         'user_id': request.user.id,
     })
 
-    
+    group_id = False
+ 
     user = cc.User.from_django_user(request.user)
 
     #kevinchugh because the new requirement is that all groups will be determined