diff --git a/collects/mztake/debug-tool.ss b/collects/mztake/debug-tool.ss
index d0b2ad726d..5127d24f12 100644
--- a/collects/mztake/debug-tool.ss
+++ b/collects/mztake/debug-tool.ss
@@ -737,7 +737,7 @@
           
           (define status-message
             (instantiate message% ()
-              [label ""]
+              [label " "]
               [parent debug-panel]
               [stretchable-width #t]))
           
@@ -793,7 +793,7 @@
 
           (define mouse-over-message
             (instantiate message% ()
-              [label ""]
+              [label " "]
               [parent debug-panel]
               [stretchable-width #t]))