diff --git a/nova/network/neutronv2/api.py b/nova/network/neutronv2/api.py
index 0a1162d161..454ca7fa59 100644
--- a/nova/network/neutronv2/api.py
+++ b/nova/network/neutronv2/api.py
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ class ClientWrapper(clientv20.Client):
                           "admin credential located in nova.conf")
                 raise exception.NeutronAdminCredentialConfigurationInvalid()
             except neutron_client_exc.Forbidden as e:
-                raise exception.Forbidden(e)
+                raise exception.Forbidden(six.text_type(e))
             return ret
         return wrapper
 
diff --git a/nova/tests/unit/network/test_neutronv2.py b/nova/tests/unit/network/test_neutronv2.py
index 309b4160a8..1fefcfb2f8 100644
--- a/nova/tests/unit/network/test_neutronv2.py
+++ b/nova/tests/unit/network/test_neutronv2.py
@@ -181,9 +181,10 @@ class TestNeutronClient(test.NoDBTestCase):
                                             auth_token='token',
                                             is_admin=False)
         client = neutronapi.get_client(my_context)
-        self.assertRaises(
+        exc = self.assertRaises(
             exception.Forbidden,
             client.create_port)
+        self.assertIsInstance(exc.format_message(), six.text_type)
 
     def test_withtoken_context_is_admin(self):
         self.flags(url='http://anyhost/', group='neutron')