Ryanair CEO Apologizes for Comparing Airlines to 'Rapists'
Michael O'Leary issues a rare apology after his controversial remarks draw widespread criticism.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary issued an apology Friday for remarks made last week in which he compared rival European airlines that charge higher fares to "rapists." The outspoken head of the Irish budget carrier stated he was "truly sorry" for the offense and upset his comments caused, particularly to victims and survivors of sexual assault.
During a press conference in Dublin, O'Leary had asserted that passengers would abandon higher-fare airlines like Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and British Airways for Ryanair's low prices because they "can’t afford to fly with the high-fare rapists around Europe." When questioned about potentially trivializing rape, O'Leary reportedly doubled down, reiterating his characterization of the competing airlines.
In a video apology posted by Virgin Media News, O'Leary explained that he had come to realize the word used "so carelessly" had caused significant distress. He affirmed his belief that rape is a "heinous and terrible crime which cannot be trivialized" and expressed regret for the harm his words inflicted. "It won't happen again. I will try to learn from this mistake and do better in the future," he stated.
This is not the first time O'Leary has been at the center of controversy. Earlier this year, he engaged in a public dispute with Elon Musk over the installation of Starlink WiFi equipment on Ryanair aircraft, citing concerns about increased fuel costs due to added weight. O'Leary referred to Musk as an "idiot," prompting Musk to call O'Leary an "utter idiot" and an "imbecile." Ryanair responded by launching a promotional sale with the tagline "Great idiot seat sale."
O'Leary also addressed a passenger's claim of being partially sucked out of a window during a July 10 flight from Greece to Germany. He disputed the extent of the incident, stating the passenger was "belted into his seat" and did not go out the window, while acknowledging the passenger was entitled to some compensation but not the amount sought by their legal team.