diff --git a/buddy.py b/buddy.py
index 8e722e3..a5f7a64 100644
--- a/buddy.py
+++ b/buddy.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ class Buddy():
 		self.number = number
 		self.groups = groups
 		self.image_hash = image_hash if image_hash is not None else ""
-		self.statusMsg = ""
+		self.statusMsg = u""
 		self.lastseen = 0
 		self.presence = 0
 
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ class BuddyList(dict):
 		for buddy in buddies:
 			number = buddy.buddyName
 			nick = buddy.alias
-			statusMsg = buddy.statusMessage
+			statusMsg = buddy.statusMessage.decode('utf-8')
 			groups = [g for g in buddy.group]
 			image_hash = buddy.iconHash
 			self[number] = Buddy(self.owner, number, nick, statusMsg,
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class BuddyList(dict):
 		self.logger.debug("%s received statuses of: %s", self.user, contacts)
 		for number, (status, time) in contacts.iteritems():
 			buddy = self[number]
-			buddy.statusMsg = status
+			buddy.statusMsg = status.decode('utf-8')
 			self.updateSpectrum(buddy)