diff --git a/matrix_client/api.py b/matrix_client/api.py
index aae52f99..10e15bb0 100644
--- a/matrix_client/api.py
+++ b/matrix_client/api.py
@@ -675,8 +675,10 @@ def get_text_body(self, text, msgtype="m.text"):
 
     def get_emote_body(self, text):
         return {
-            "msgtype": "m.emote",
-            "body": text
+            "format": "org.matrix.custom.html",
+            "body": text,
+            "formatted_body": text,
+            "msgtype": "m.emote"
         }
 
     def get_filter(self, user_id, filter_id):