diff --git a/backend/open_webui/main.py b/backend/open_webui/main.py
index 8e7d6a8be..54cab47f1 100644
--- a/backend/open_webui/main.py
+++ b/backend/open_webui/main.py
@@ -1053,6 +1053,9 @@ async def chat_completion(
     model_item = form_data.pop("model_item", {})
     tasks = form_data.pop("background_tasks", None)
 
+    # placeholder
+    metadata = {}
+
     try:
         if not model_item.get("direct", False):
             model_id = form_data.get("model", None)