diff --git a/modules/controller.js b/modules/controller.js
index 945ee7600..e586cbb49 100644
--- a/modules/controller.js
+++ b/modules/controller.js
@@ -312,6 +312,15 @@ function init( $container, state ) {
 				return;
 			}
 
+			// If this is a new topic link, and a reply widget is open, attempt to close it first.
+			if ( activeController && c instanceof NewTopicController ) {
+				activeController.replyWidget.tryTeardown().then( function () {
+					activeController = c;
+					c.setup();
+				} );
+				return;
+			}
+
 			// If another reply widget is open (or opening), do nothing.
 			if ( activeController ) {
 				return;
diff --git a/modules/dt.ui.ReplyWidget.js b/modules/dt.ui.ReplyWidget.js
index 801fd3edd..6935eaeb3 100644
--- a/modules/dt.ui.ReplyWidget.js
+++ b/modules/dt.ui.ReplyWidget.js
@@ -472,7 +472,7 @@ ReplyWidget.prototype.afterSetup = function () {
  * Try to teardown the widget, prompting the user if unsaved changes will be lost.
  *
  * @chainable
- * @return {ReplyWidget}
+ * @return {jQuery.Promise} Resolves if widget was torn down, rejects if it wasn't
  */
 ReplyWidget.prototype.tryTeardown = function () {
 	var promise,
@@ -498,10 +498,10 @@ ReplyWidget.prototype.tryTeardown = function () {
 			type: 'nochange'
 		} );
 	}
-	promise.then( function () {
+	promise = promise.then( function () {
 		widget.teardown( true );
 	} );
-	return this;
+	return promise;
 };
 
 /**