Story perspectives

Ryanair CEO Refuses Apology for “High-Fare Rapists” Remark

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 10:50 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary refused to apologise to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for calling rivals “high-fare rapists.”
O'Leary said his remarks do not trivialise rape and declined the centre’s free training offer.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief Rachel Morrogh urged a swift apology and offered the training.
Irish deputy premier Simon Harris called the language clearly inappropriate and said O'Leary should rectify it.

History

Historical Context

The #MeToo movement, founded by Tarana Burke in 2006, went viral after Harvey Weinstein’s October 2017 abuse allegations and later trended in at least 85 countries. The wave spurred investigations of sexual misconduct in politics and media worldwide, including the 2024 criticism of Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary’s “high-fare rapists” comment by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and Irish officials.

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Story summary

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary refused to apologise to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for calling rivals “high-fare rapists.”
O'Leary said his remarks do not trivialise rape and declined the centre’s free training offer.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief Rachel Morrogh urged a swift apology and offered the training.
Irish deputy premier Simon Harris called the language clearly inappropriate and said O'Leary should rectify it.

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