diff --git a/Source/simple-modal.js b/Source/simple-modal.js
index 5347285..156dafe 100755
--- a/Source/simple-modal.js
+++ b/Source/simple-modal.js
@@ -298,7 +298,9 @@ provides:
         },
 
         _escape: function(e) {
-            if (e.keyCode == 27) self.hideModal();
+            if (self.options.keyEsc) {
+                if (e.keyCode == 27) self.hideModal();
+            }
         },
 
         /**