diff --git a/src/mac/carbon/dcclient.cpp b/src/mac/carbon/dcclient.cpp
index 3fab6f98e2..db6a1c5e72 100644
--- a/src/mac/carbon/dcclient.cpp
+++ b/src/mac/carbon/dcclient.cpp
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ static wxBrush MacGetBackgroundBrush( wxWindow* window )
 wxWindowDC::wxWindowDC()
 {
     m_window = NULL ;
+    m_release = false;
 }
 
 wxWindowDC::wxWindowDC(wxWindow *window)