Hi @edering,
I can not reproduce the described issue with provided code sample. I suppose that your site plugins and data are involved.
Is it possible to take a copy of the stage site with such issue (without critical data) using UpdraftPlus WP backup plugin (database export .sql file and and plugins, themes folders)? If Yes, send URL and credentials to support email. I will setup it at my local development environment and try catch a reason.
