Full Breakdown
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary apologises after describing rival airlines as “high-fare rapists”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Controversial remarks and subsequent apology
The comment was made at a press conference at the airline’s headquarters and was repeated when he was asked whether the language was appropriate. After a wave of criticism from survivors’ groups, politicians in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), O'Leary posted a video message in which he described his earlier wording as “careless” and offered a public apology to victims and survivors of sexual violence.
Background & Context: O'Leary’s outspoken style
O'Leary is known for blunt, often provocative statements. Past remarks have included describing airport owners as “overcharging rapists” in 2004 and referring to some staff as “lazy bastards.” The latest incident follows earlier refusals to apologise for the “rapist” comparison, during which he asserted that he had not trivialised the crime of rape.
Official Statements & Responses
He pledged that the language “won’t happen again” and that he would “learn from this mistake.”
Deputy prime minister Simon Harris called the language “inappropriate.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said O'Leary’s language “trivialised sexual violence” and initially urged a “swift apology.”
- Senator Laura Harmon (Labour Party) called the casual use of the word “rapist” “deeply shocking” and potentially traumatizing for survivors.
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed disappointment and called for reflection on the impact of the remarks.
- Simon Harris (Fine Gael) labelled the comments an “inappropriate use of language.”
- Heidi Alexander (UK Labour) highlighted the disconnect between the comment and the lived experience of rape survivors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Last week at a press conference in Dublin, I used the term rapists to described the high fares of our competitor airlines. I was quizzed by the press if I was trivialising rape.” — Friday
- “I have come to realize, however, that the word I used too carelessly has caused considerable upset and offense to a wide number of people, especially victims and survivors,” — Michael O'Leary, ryanair chief executive
- “Since I certainly did not trivialize the heinous crime of rape, I will certainly not be issuing any apology,” — Michael O'Leary, ryanair chief executive
- “You might find some people will choose not to fly with Ryanair — but you know they'll be overrun with the people abandoning Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, BA, and others desperate to get to Ryanair's low fares because they can't afford to fly with high-fare rapists around Europe,” — Michael O'Leary, ryanair chief executive
- “The casual use of the word 'rapist' to describe prices of his competitors is deeply shocking and could be traumatizing for any survivor of sexual abuse," Harmon said .” — Laura Harmon, a senator belonging to Ireland's center-left opposition Labour Party
These quotations capture the key moments of O'Leary’s initial defence, his later acknowledgment of harm, the political condemnation, and the broader public reaction.