diff --git a/adafruit_portalbase/graphics.py b/adafruit_portalbase/graphics.py
index 89c38ea..05dec55 100644
--- a/adafruit_portalbase/graphics.py
+++ b/adafruit_portalbase/graphics.py
@@ -184,4 +184,4 @@ def splash(self):
             "WARNING: splash is deprecated, use root_group instead. "
             "This will be removed in a future release."
         )
-        return self.display._root_group
+        return self.display.root_group