diff --git a/libs/utils/Threads.cpp b/libs/utils/Threads.cpp
index 00d009b14..ad9a94f59 100644
--- a/libs/utils/Threads.cpp
+++ b/libs/utils/Threads.cpp
@@ -799,9 +799,6 @@ void Thread::requestExit()
 
 status_t Thread::requestExitAndWait()
 {
-    // hold a reference so mThreadExitedCondition is not destroyed before wait() returns
-    sp<Thread> strong(mHoldSelf);
-
     if (mThread == getThreadId()) {
         LOGW(
         "Thread (this=%p): don't call waitForExit() from this "