Ryanair CEO Apologizes for 'Rapist' Remark After Criticism

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has issued a sincere and unreserved apology for his recent remarks comparing competitor airlines to "rapists." The apology comes after significant criticism from victims' groups and politicians in the UK and Ireland.

In a video posted to YouTube, O'Leary stated he has reflected on his words and is "truly sorry for the offense and the upset I have caused." He added that he will "try to learn from the mistake and do better."

O'Leary made the controversial comments at a press conference in Dublin, where he was discussing rising air travel prices. He had asserted that it was "absolutely" appropriate to use the comparison when describing the high fares of competitors such as British Airways and Lufthansa.

He initially defended his remarks, stating that he did not believe he was trivializing rape and that he had clearly asserted that rape is a "heinous crime." However, he acknowledged that the word he used "carelessly" caused considerable upset and offense, particularly to victims and survivors of sexual assault.

"I want to apologize sincerely and unreservedly to those people, especially to the survivors," O'Leary said. "I am truly sorry for the offense and the upset I have caused you by my careless use of those words. It won't happen again."

Prior to his apology, O'Leary had been urged by Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), to offer a "swift apology." Morrogh had stated that his comments trivialized rape and had offered O'Leary free training on sexual violence. O'Leary had initially refused, calling the DRCC's assertion that his remarks "perpetuate dismissive attitudes to survivors of rape" false and defamatory.

Other figures, including the UK's Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, had also criticized his comments. Alexander suggested that women who have been subjected to sexual violence would not be inclined to book flights with Ryanair.

Ciara Bergman, chief executive of Rape Crisis England and Wales, described the comparison as "shameful and embarrassing" and "deeply insulting to survivors of rape and sexual abuse." Katie Kempen, chief executive at Victim Support in England and Wales, called the remarks "appalling," "offensive," and "completely unacceptable."

Irish politicians also weighed in, with Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers supporting calls for O'Leary to withdraw his comments. Deputy Premier Simon Harris advised O'Leary to "listen to the experts" and rectify his language.

Representatives from unions and advocacy groups, including the National Women's Council of Ireland and the Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger, condemned O'Leary's language as "deeply inappropriate" and "disgusting," emphasizing that such comments trivialize the trauma experienced by survivors of sexual violence and contribute to rape culture.