Message interpolation is defined in a recursive way in Bean Validation, so the behavior you describe is expected (see also Message Interpolation in the spec). If I understand correctly, the value you try to interpolate is a configuration value for your constraint annotation. As you suggest, the way to go is to escape the value itself. I don't see another option atm. Do you have any concrete suggestions which do not violate the specification?

Out of interest, what type of constraint are you using? A custom constraint? Maybe you can share your constraint and its configuration.