Full Breakdown
Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary’s “high-fare rapists” comment draws widespread condemnation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core event
On September 10, ahead of Ryanair’s annual general meeting in Dublin, chief executive Michael O’Leary described rival carriers as “high-fare rapists.” He told reporters that passengers unable to afford “the high-fare rapists around Europe” would switch to Ryanair’s low-cost flights. When asked whether the language was appropriate, O’Leary replied “Absolutely.”
Official statements & responses
- Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) – Called the remarks “lazy and uninformed,” said survivors were “upset and distressed,” and offered free training on the impact of sexual violence.
- Fórsa spokesperson (union representing Ryanair cabin crew) – Described the comments as “deeply inappropriate.”
Criticism & opposition
- Ruth Coppinger, Socialist Party TD – Called the remarks “disgusting” and “trivialising rape and sexual assault,” urging O’Leary to apologise.
- Laura Harmon, Labour senator – Demanded an apology and engagement with the DRCC, calling the comments “shocking” and “deeply offensive to survivors.”
- Fiona Doyle, rape survivor and campaigner – Asked O’Leary to “have the guts” to meet and apologise.
- Katie Kempen, chief executive of Victim Support (England and Wales) – Offered a CEO-to-CEO meeting to explain why trivialising sexual violence is harmful.
- Ciara Bergman, chief executive of Rape Crisis England & Wales – Called the comparison “shameful and embarrassing,” labeling it “deeply insulting to survivors.”
- Corrinne Hasson, executive director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland – Said the remarks were “completely inappropriate and deeply offensive,” arguing that equating airline pricing with rape undermines survivors’ experiences.
Verbatim quotes
- “And what he was doing was purely using a word that he knew would get airtime – and no recognition of the fact that women, men, LGBT+ people who’ve been the victims of sexual assault … would feel really insulted by that.” — Ruth Coppinger, Socialist Party TD
- “I would be more than happy to meet with Mr O’Leary, CEO to CEO, to explain the work Rape Crisis and our members do to challenge the idea that sexual violence is a topic which can or should be trivialised.” — Katie Kempen, Victim Support
Why it matters
The episode highlights the tension between corporate provocation and societal expectations around language describing sexual violence. Critics argue that using “rapist” as a metaphor can diminish the seriousness of rape and retraumatise survivors, influencing public discourse. Government officials and advocacy groups see the remarks as a test of corporate responsibility, with calls for Ryanair’s leadership to model respectful communication. The controversy also raises questions about reputational risk for Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, though no booking data has shown a measurable impact on passenger behaviour.
What’s next
Ryanair has not indicated any change in stance and declined further comment. The DRCC and allied organisations have reiterated offers of training and urged a public apology, while Irish and UK officials continue to press for a response. No scheduled hearings or formal investigations have been announced.
