diff --git a/src/semantic_release/cli/commands/version.py b/src/semantic_release/cli/commands/version.py
index 7a6fa26ef..459925af5 100644
--- a/src/semantic_release/cli/commands/version.py
+++ b/src/semantic_release/cli/commands/version.py
@@ -600,7 +600,7 @@ def version(  # noqa: C901
         )
 
         if opts.strict:
-            click.echo(err_msg, err=True)
+            rprint(err_msg, file=sys.stderr)
             ctx.exit(2)
 
         rprint(err_msg)