diff --git a/src/main/java/hudson/plugins/release/ReleaseWrapper.java b/src/main/java/hudson/plugins/release/ReleaseWrapper.java
index 8430d59..1089ba6 100644
--- a/src/main/java/hudson/plugins/release/ReleaseWrapper.java
+++ b/src/main/java/hudson/plugins/release/ReleaseWrapper.java
@@ -737,7 +737,7 @@ public ReleaseBuildBadgeAction() {
         }
         
         public String getReleaseVersion() {
-            return releaseVersion;
+            return releaseVersion != null ? Util.xmlEscape(releaseVersion) : null;
         }
         
         public String getIconFileName() { return null; }