diff --git a/lib/caracal/document.rb b/lib/caracal/document.rb
index 66fdc368..63f01665 100644
--- a/lib/caracal/document.rb
+++ b/lib/caracal/document.rb
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ def render_media(zip)
         if rel.relationship_data.to_s.size > 0
           content = rel.relationship_data
         else
-          content = open(rel.relationship_target).read
+          content = URI.open(rel.relationship_target).read
         end
 
         zip.put_next_entry("word/#{ rel.formatted_target }")