diff --git a/escher/src/alternate_empty_view_controller.cpp b/escher/src/alternate_empty_view_controller.cpp
index 9c9097315..21c9dff51 100644
--- a/escher/src/alternate_empty_view_controller.cpp
+++ b/escher/src/alternate_empty_view_controller.cpp
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ const char * AlternateEmptyViewController::title() {
 bool AlternateEmptyViewController::handleEvent(Ion::Events::Event event) {
   if (m_contentView.alternateEmptyViewDelegate()->isEmpty()) {
     if (event != Ion::Events::Home && event != Ion::Events::OnOff) {
-      app()->setFirstResponder(m_contentView.alternateEmptyViewDelegate()->defaultController());
+      m_contentView.alternateEmptyViewDelegate()->defaultController()->handleEvent(Ion::Events::Back);
       return true;
     }
     return false;