Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has refused to apologize after facing widespread criticism for comparing other airlines to "rapists." The comments, made ahead of the company's annual general meeting in Dublin, have been condemned by victims' groups and politicians in the UK and Ireland.
O'Leary stated that high airfares charged by competitors like British Airways and Lufthansa were equivalent to the actions of "high-fare rapists around Europe." He later reiterated the "high-fare rapists" comment when asked if it was appropriate, responding, "Absolutely." When pressed on whether the language was offensive to victims of rape and sexual assault, he said he would "happily offend" the airlines mentioned, adding that rape was a "terrible crime" but rejecting the assertion that he was trivializing it.
Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), urged O'Leary to issue a "swift apology" and offered him free training on sexual violence. In a published response, O'Leary rejected the apology and training offer, calling the DRCC's assertion that his remarks "perpetuate dismissive attitudes to survivors of rape" false and defamatory. He maintained that he had clearly asserted rape is a "heinous crime" and its survivors are victims of such.
Morrogh expressed dismay at O'Leary's "lazy and uninformed comments," stating they would be "deeply hurtful and angering" to survivors.
Heidi Alexander, the UK's Transport Secretary, commented that O'Leary's comparison would likely alienate women who have experienced sexual assault. She suggested such women might be hesitant 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." She offered to meet with O'Leary to explain the work of rape crisis organizations in challenging the trivialization of sexual violence.
Katie Kempen, chief executive at Victim Support in England and Wales, called the remarks "appalling, offensive, completely unacceptable and deeply insulting."
In Ireland, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers stated the comments were "shocking" and supported calls for O'Leary to withdraw them, emphasizing that victims should never be placed in such a light in the context of aviation competition.
Deputy Premier Simon Harris called the comments "clearly an inappropriate use of language" and suggested O'Leary should "listen to the experts." A spokesman for Fórsa, a union representing Ryanair cabin crew in Ireland, deemed the comments "deeply inappropriate."
Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger criticized O'Leary for trivializing rape and sexual assault for a "provocative soundbite," urging him to apologize and withdraw the remarks.
Corrinne Hasson, executive director of the National Women's Council of Ireland, stated the remarks were "completely inappropriate and deeply offensive," arguing that comparing rape to selling airline tickets undermines survivors' experiences and trauma, contributing to rape culture.
Irish Labour senator Laura Harmon called on O'Leary to engage with the Rape Crisis Centre to understand the "horrific trauma of surviving sexual assault," calling his comments "ignorant" and urging an apology and commitment to learning.
O'Leary made the remarks while discussing anticipated price increases at other airlines and the potential shift of passengers to Ryanair due to its lower fares.