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Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, issued a video apology for using the term "high-fare rapists" to describe competitors with higher ticket prices during a press conference in Dublin last week. He acknowledged that his choice of words caused offense and upset, particularly among survivors of sexual violence. Initially refusing to apologize, O'Leary later expressed sincere regret after discussions with family and friends, and reaffirmed his belief that rape is a serious crime. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomed the apology, emphasizing its importance in promoting understanding about the impact of language on victims.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-18,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, issued a video apology on Friday for calling rival airlines "rapists" during a press conference in Dublin last week, after facing criticism from sexual violence victim groups and politicians. He initially used the term to describe high-fare competitors like British Airways and Lufthansa, arguing that rape was "a terrible crime" and not trivialized by his comparison. However, after 10 days of reflection with family and friends, he acknowledged causing "considerable upset and offence." The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) had previously asked for an apology, which O'Leary now offers "sincerely and unreservedly" to survivors and victims of sexual violence.
Written for “Ryanair Boss Apologies For Rapists Co…” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 4 other(s) covering the same event.
He had been urged by sexual violence victims’ groups and some politicians to apologise for his comments.
asserted
He → urge → comments
In a video message posted online, Mr O’Leary said that following conversations with friends and family, he has come to realise that his comments caused “considerable upset and offence”.
asserted
comments → post → upset
He apologised “sincerely and unreservedly” to people, especially survivors of sexual violence and rape.
asserted
He → apologise → violence
“Last week at a press conference in Dublin, I used the term rapists to described the high fares of our competitor airlines.
asserted
I → use → airlines
I was quizzed by the press if I was trivialising rape,” he told Virgin Media News on Friday.
asserted
he → quiz → Friday
“I replied by asserting my firm belief that rape is a heinous and terrible crime which cannot be trivialised.
asserted
which → reply → belief
“I believe I couldn’t have been clearer in this regard.
asserted
I → believe → regard
“In conversations with family and friends, both inside and outside Ryanair, over the last 10 days, I have come to realise, however, that the word I used so carelessly has caused considerable upset and offence to a wide number of people, especially victims and survivors.
asserted
word → come → people
“I want to apologise, sincerely and unreservedly to those people, especially to the survivors.
asserted
I → want → survivors
“I am truly sorry for the offence and upset I have caused you by my careless use of those words.
asserted
I → cause → words
It won’t happen again.
asserted
It → happen → ?
“I will try to learn from this mistake and do better in the future.
asserted
I → try → future
The airline boss had previously refused to apologise, despite calls from the chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), Rachel Morrogh, who said he had trivialised rape.
asserted
he → refuse → rape
Mr O’Leary made the comment ahead of his airline’s annual general meeting in Dublin last Thursday.
asserted
O’Leary → make → Dublin
He claimed rising air travel prices at other airlines would see passengers switch to Ryanair.
asserted
passengers → claim → Ryanair
He told reporters at the company’s headquarters: “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 the high-fare rapists around Europe.”
uncertain
they → tell → Europe
He later repeated the “high-fare rapists” comments.
asserted
He → repeat → comments
Asked by the Press Association whether this was appropriate language, Mr O’Leary told reporters: “Absolutely.”
asserted
O’Leary → ask → reporters
He later said rape was a “terrible crime” but rejected the assertion he was trivialising rape.
asserted
he → say → rape
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was among those who criticised his comments, but stopped short of stating that Mr O’Leary should apologise for the remarks.
Chief executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Rachel Morrogh said: “Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes Mr O’Leary’s apology and recognition that his comments caused concern and hurt to people who have been raped as well as to their families and friends.
“We hope Mr O’Leary’s apology helps promote a greater public understanding of the impact language can have and the harm that trivialising sexual violence can do.
asserted
trivialising → criticise → violence
“Words matter and positive leadership really matters as well, so we view Mr O’Leary’s apology as being very important.
asserted
we → matter → apology
We remain committed to and focused on ensuring that the experiences of victims and survivors are treated with the seriousness, dignity and respect they deserve.”
asserted
they → remain → seriousness
Anyone affected by sexual violence of any form can get free and confidential support on the 24-hour National Helpline at 1800 77 88 88.
asserted
Anyone → affect → 88
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