Ryanair CEO Apologizes for 'Rapist' Remarks About Competitor Airlines

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has issued a sincere and unreserved apology after drawing widespread criticism for comparing competitor airlines to "rapists." The apology comes after the CEO initially defended his remarks made last week.

In a video message posted to YouTube on Friday, O'Leary stated he had reflected on his words and is "truly sorry for the offense and the upset I have caused," adding that he will "try to learn from the mistake and do better." He acknowledged that the word used carelessly had caused considerable upset and offense, particularly to victims and survivors of sexual assault.

O'Leary made the controversial comments before Ryanair's annual general meeting in Dublin, suggesting that rising air travel prices at other airlines would lead passengers to switch to Ryanair. He stated, "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 the high-fare rapists around Europe." When pressed by reporters if the language was appropriate, he responded, "Absolutely," and added he would "happily offend" the airlines mentioned.

His remarks drew swift condemnation from various groups and politicians. Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), urged O'Leary to offer a "swift apology," stating that his comments trivialized rape. She had also offered him free training on sexual violence and its impact on survivors. However, O'Leary initially refused to apologize, asserting that he had not trivialized the crime and clearly stated that rape is a "heinous crime."

Despite his initial stance, O'Leary's subsequent apology acknowledged the wider offense caused. "I want to apologize sincerely and unreservedly to those people, especially to the survivors," he 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."

The UK's Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, commented that women who have been raped might not be inclined to book flights with Ryanair. Ciara Bergman, chief executive of Rape Crisis England and Wales, called the comparison "shameful and embarrassing" and "deeply insulting to survivors of rape and sexual abuse." Katie Kempen, chief executive at Victim Support in England and Wales, described the remarks as "appalling," "offensive," and "completely unacceptable."

Irish politicians also voiced their disapproval. Jack Chambers, Ireland's Public Expenditure Minister, called the comments "shocking" and supported calls for him to withdraw them. Deputy premier Simon Harris stated that the comments were an "inappropriate use of language" and that O'Leary "should have moved to rectify it," advising him to listen to the experts.

A spokesman for Fórsa, a union representing Ryanair cabin crew in Ireland, described the comments as "deeply inappropriate." Ruth Coppinger, a Socialist Party TD in Ireland, called it "disgusting" that O'Leary would trivialize rape and sexual assault for a "provocative soundbite." The National Women's Council of Ireland executive director Corrinne Hasson stated the remarks were "completely inappropriate and deeply offensive to survivors of sexual violence," adding that such comments contribute to rape culture.

Irish Labour senator Laura Harmon urged O'Leary to engage with the Rape Crisis Centre to better understand the "horrific trauma of surviving sexual assault," stating that his comments only add to the challenges victims face. She called for him to apologize and commit to educating himself about the trauma of sexual violence.