diff --git a/src/components/moderation/ModerationQueue.tsx b/src/components/moderation/ModerationQueue.tsx
index ab9f8431..139cac54 100644
--- a/src/components/moderation/ModerationQueue.tsx
+++ b/src/components/moderation/ModerationQueue.tsx
@@ -757,7 +757,7 @@ export const ModerationQueue = forwardRef<ModerationQueueRef>((props, ref) => {
 
   // Initial fetch on mount and filter changes
   useEffect(() => {
-    if (!user) return;
+    if (!userRef.current) return;
     
     // Phase 1: Initial fetch (run once)
     if (!hasInitialFetchRef.current) {
@@ -780,8 +780,8 @@ export const ModerationQueue = forwardRef<ModerationQueueRef>((props, ref) => {
       debouncedFetchItems(debouncedEntityFilter, debouncedStatusFilter, true, activeTabRef.current);
     }
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
-  }, [debouncedEntityFilter, debouncedStatusFilter, user]);
-  // Note: fetchItems and debouncedFetchItems are stable callbacks and should NOT trigger this effect
+  }, [debouncedEntityFilter, debouncedStatusFilter]);
+  // Note: user object reference changes shouldn't trigger filter refetch - using stable userRef instead
 
   // Polling for auto-refresh (only if realtime is disabled)
   useEffect(() => {