Story perspectives

Ryanair CEO Apologizes for “High-Fare Rapists” Remark

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary apologised for calling rival airlines “high-fare rapists”.
He made the remarks at a Dublin press conference before Ryanair’s annual general meeting.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh demanded an apology and offered training.
O'Leary pledged the remark will not be repeated.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised the comments but did not demand a formal apology.

History

Historical Context

After Alyssa Milano’s October 15 2017 tweet sparked the #MeToo hashtag, the movement forced dozens of CEOs to confront misconduct; by October 2018 the New York Times reported that nearly half of 201 men dismissed after allegations were replaced by women, and 19 U.S. states passed new harassment protections. O’Leary’s remarks now echo that same public-accountability pressure.

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Story summary

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary apologised for calling rival airlines “high-fare rapists”.
He made the remarks at a Dublin press conference before Ryanair’s annual general meeting.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh demanded an apology and offered training.
O'Leary pledged the remark will not be repeated.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised the comments but did not demand a formal apology.

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