Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary apologised after describing rival airlines as "rapists," saying his words caused "considerable upset and offence." He posted a video apology, offering a "sincere and unreserved" apology to survivors of sexual violence and saying conversations with friends and family prompted his change of heart. The comment had prompted criticism from victims' groups and politicians; O'Leary had earlier defended the comparison while insisting rape is a "heinous and terrible crime."
Ryanair’s Michael O'Leary Apologises After 'Rapists' Remark Sparks Outcry
FILE PHOTO - Michael O'Leary, CEO of Irish ultra low-cost carrier Ryanair, speaks during a press conference. (is associated with: «Ryanair boss apologizes over 'rapists' comment») Eric Lalmand/BELGA/dpa
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has issued a public apology after drawing widespread criticism for likening rival airlines to "rapists," saying his choice of words caused "considerable upset and offence." He singled out survivors of sexual violence in his apology and said he would try to learn from the episode.
O'Leary made the comment during a media exchange ahead of Ryanair's annual general meeting in Dublin, saying passengers would abandon higher-priced carriers for Ryanair's low fares and referring to those rivals as "high-fare rapists." When pressed by journalists on whether such language was appropriate, he replied, "Absolutely."
After sustained criticism from victims' groups, politicians and campaigners — including a direct call for an apology from Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre — O'Leary posted a video message online. In it he said conversations with family and friends over the past 10 days prompted him to recognise the harm his words had caused.
"Last week at a press conference in Dublin, I used the term rapists to describe the high fares of our competitor airlines... In conversations with family and friends, both inside and outside Ryanair, over the last 10 days, I have come to realize... that the word I used so carelessly has caused considerable upset and offence to a wide number of people, especially victims and survivors."
"I want to apologise, sincerely and unreservedly to those people, especially to the survivors. I am truly sorry for the offence and upset I have caused you by my careless use of those words. It won't happen again."
O'Leary had previously defended his phrasing while also saying that rape is a "heinous and terrible crime" that cannot be trivialised. The remarks drew criticism from Irish and UK politicians; Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised the comments but stopped short of demanding an apology. Ryanair says it expects to benefit from passengers switching from higher-cost carriers, the context in which the remark was made.
While O'Leary's apology may calm some critics, the episode highlights the sensitivity of public language around sexual violence and the pressure on business leaders to choose words carefully. O'Leary pledged to learn from the mistake and do better in future.
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