diff --git a/debian/changelog b/debian/changelog
index 5a2f28a9..b34d5ec9 100644
--- a/debian/changelog
+++ b/debian/changelog
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ byobu (2.78) UNRELEASED; urgency=low
     -UDR (which detached and logged out other connections on reattach);
     feedback was negative on this one, numerous questions in IRC, LP: #589027
   * usr/bin/byobu-select-session: allow for default selection of session 1
+  * usr/bin/byobu-config: prevent the user from changing the escape sequence
+    to / or \, both of which cause problems, LP: #581533
 
  -- Dustin Kirkland <kirkland@ubuntu.com>  Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:53:54 -0500
 
diff --git a/usr/bin/byobu-config b/usr/bin/byobu-config
index 976b1d3e..52b1e968 100755
--- a/usr/bin/byobu-config
+++ b/usr/bin/byobu-config
@@ -483,6 +483,9 @@ def chgesc(screen, size):
             val=esc.value()
             if len(val) > 1:
                 esc.set(val[1])
+            # Ensure that escape sequence is not \ or /
+            if val == '/' or val == '\\':
+                esc.set(DEF_ESC)
             # Ensure that the escape sequence is not set to a number
             try:
                 dummy = int(esc.value())