Content picker does not show picked item when the item has been deleted

[PeterKvayt]

Which Umbraco version are you using?

15.3.0

Bug summary

You can publish content with an empty mandatory content picker property.

Specifics

Here is the uSync to prepare the environment:

usync-export(1).zip

Steps to reproduce

1. Apply uSync for fresh installed umbraco
2. Create node type of "Item"
3. Add to node category, e.g. Category (2)
4. Save and publish it
5. Trash Category (2)
6. Save and publish Item (it should works, and Category (2) should be displayed with removed tag)
7. Delete Category (2) from trash
8. Open Item (there is no Category (2) in list event with removed tag)
9. Click Save and Publish

2025-04-13.15-28-08.mp4

Expected result / actual result

Actual: you can publish content with empty mandatory property
Expected: you can't publish content with empty mandatory property

P.S.: as I can see Item has key of removed Category (2) in property, but it does not displayed on UI in case when Category (2) has been deleted from umbraco permanently.

I think in that case we can show this item key with some label, so users will have the ability to delete from list removed items and it will be clear for users why mandatory field allows to publish.

[github-actions]

Hi there @PeterKvayt!

Firstly, a big thank you for raising this issue. Every piece of feedback we receive helps us to make Umbraco better.

We really appreciate your patience while we wait for our team to have a look at this but we wanted to let you know that we see this and share with you the plan for what comes next.

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• We'll replicate the issue to ensure that the problem is as described.
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We wish we could work with everyone directly and assess your issue immediately but we're in the fortunate position of having lots of contributions to work with and only a few humans who are able to do it. We are making progress though and in the meantime, we will keep you in the loop and let you know when we have any questions.

Thanks, from your friendly Umbraco GitHub bot 🤖 🙂

[AndyButland]

Can reproduce this, though I would say the error isn't that you are allowed to publish. The configuration is to validate as valid if at least one item is picked, and one item is, even if the item referenced has been deleted.

So I think the solution here is that the UI should display the picked item as best it can - likely just a GUID and message that the selected item can no longer be found. That would give the user the ability to remove it and select something else.