diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/console_python.py b/release/scripts/modules/console_python.py
index 66956899076..59e4f2314d8 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/console_python.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/console_python.py
@@ -226,6 +226,8 @@ execute.hooks = []
 
 
 def autocomplete(context):
+    _readline_bypass()
+
     from console import intellisense
 
     sc = context.space_data
@@ -356,3 +358,14 @@ def banner(context):
     sc.prompt = PROMPT
 
     return {'FINISHED'}
+
+
+# workaround for readline crashing, see: T43491
+def _readline_bypass():
+    if "rlcompleter" in sys.modules or "readline" in sys.modules:
+        return
+
+    # prevent 'rlcompleter' from loading the real 'readline' module.
+    sys.modules["readline"] = None
+    import rlcompleter
+    del sys.modules["readline"]