diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/defect-report.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/defect-report.yml
index 4d54940342..704bbd5942 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/defect-report.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/defect-report.yml
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ name: Defect Report
 description: Report a DEFECT you experienced using the code
 title: "[DEFECT] "
 labels: defect, priority_normal
-assignees:
 body:
   - type: checkboxes
     id: requirements