diff --git a/macos/Sources/Ghostty/Surface View/SurfaceView_AppKit.swift b/macos/Sources/Ghostty/Surface View/SurfaceView_AppKit.swift
index afb7b0e9b..272f16e5a 100644
--- a/macos/Sources/Ghostty/Surface View/SurfaceView_AppKit.swift	
+++ b/macos/Sources/Ghostty/Surface View/SurfaceView_AppKit.swift	
@@ -292,7 +292,13 @@ extension Ghostty {
             // A drag can emit multiple selection changes. Debounce so screen
             // readers hear one announcement once the selection settles.
             accessibilitySelectionCancellable = NotificationCenter.default
-                .publisher(for: .ghosttySelectionDidChange, object: self)
+                // The publisher retains its object, so filtering with a weak capture
+                // avoids a cycle between self and the stored cancellable.
+                .publisher(for: .ghosttySelectionDidChange)
+                .filter { [weak self] notification in
+                    guard let self else { return false }
+                    return notification.object as AnyObject? === self
+                }
                 .debounce(for: .milliseconds(100), scheduler: DispatchQueue.main)
                 .sink { [weak self] _ in
                     guard let self else { return }