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Ryanair CEO apologises for calling airlines 'rapists'
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises after comparing competitors to 'rapists' in remarks about high fares.
In brief
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises after comparing competitors to 'rapists' in remarks about high fares. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has apologised for calling other airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa 'rapists' after facing backlash from victims' groups and politicians. Originally reported by…
Ryanair CEO apologises for 'rapists' comment
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has apologised 'sincerely and unreservedly' after comparing competitor airlines to 'rapists'.
“Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has apologised 'sincerely and unreservedly' after comparing competitor airlines to 'rapists'.”
O'Leary faced backlash for remarks
The billionaire faced criticism from victims' groups and politicians in the UK and Ireland after saying it was 'absolutely' appropriate to make the comparison.
“The billionaire faced criticism from victims' groups and politicians in the UK and Ireland after saying it was 'absolutely' appropriate to make the comparison.”
O'Leary's apology after 10 days
But 10 days after doubling down on the remarks, Mr O'Leary said he had reflected on his words and is 'truly sorry for the offence and the upset I have caused'.
“But 10 days after doubling down on the remarks, Mr O'Leary said he had reflected on his words and is 'truly sorry for the offence and the upset I have caused'.”
O'Leary's video apology
In a video message posted to YouTube on Friday, he said: 'Last week at a press conference in Dublin I used the term 'rapist' to describe the high fares of our competitor airlines.'
“In a video message posted to YouTube on Friday, he said: 'Last week at a press conference in Dublin I used the term 'rapist' to describe the high fares of our competitor airlines.'”
O'Leary's justification
He added that he will 'try to learn from the mistake and do better'.
“He added that he will 'try to learn from the mistake and do better'.”
Rachel Morrogh's criticism
Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), urged Mr O'Leary to offer a 'swift apology' and said his statement trivialised rape.
“Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), urged Mr O'Leary to offer a 'swift apology' and said his statement trivialised rape.”
O'Leary refused apology
But despite calls to do so, the airline executive refused to apologise.
“But despite calls to do so, the airline executive refused to apologise.”
O'Leary's defense
Mr O'Leary said last Friday: 'Since I certainly did not trivialise the heinous crime of rape, I will certainly not be issuing any apology or accepting your offer of training.'
“Mr O'Leary said last Friday: 'Since I certainly did not trivialise the heinous crime of rape, I will certainly not be issuing any apology or accepting your offer of training.'”
Transport Secretary's comment
The UK's Transport Secretary said Ryanair will have lost the confidence of women who have been subject to sexual assault.
“The UK's Transport Secretary said Ryanair will have lost the confidence of women who have been subject to sexual assault.”
O'Leary's airline comment
Mr O'Leary claimed rising air travel prices at other airlines would see passengers switch to Ryanair.
“Mr O'Leary claimed rising air travel prices at other airlines would see passengers switch to Ryanair.”
O'Leary's 'high-fare rapists' comment
He told reporters: '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.'
“He told reporters: '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.'”
O'Leary's justification
Asked whether this was appropriate language, Mr O'Leary told reporters: 'Absolutely.'
“Asked whether this was appropriate language, Mr O'Leary told reporters: 'Absolutely.'”
O'Leary's defense
Challenged on whether it was offensive to victims of rape and sexual assault, he said he would 'happily offend' the airlines mentioned.
“Challenged on whether it was offensive to victims of rape and sexual assault, he said he would 'happily offend' the airlines mentioned.”
O'Leary's stance
Further pressed on whether the language was trivialising rape, he said: 'That's what I call high-fare airlines like Lufthansa, BA and others.'
“Further pressed on whether the language was trivialising rape, he said: 'That's what I call high-fare airlines like Lufthansa, BA and others.'”
Rape Crisis England's response
Rape Crisis England and Wales chief executive Ciara Bergman said the comparison was 'shameful and embarrassing' as well as 'deeply insulting to survivors of rape and sexual abuse'.
“Rape Crisis England and Wales chief executive Ciara Bergman said the comparison was 'shameful and embarrassing' as well as 'deeply insulting to survivors of rape and sexual abuse'.”
Victim Support's response
Katie Kempen, chief executive at Victim Support in England and Wales, said the remarks were 'appalling', 'offensive', 'completely unacceptable and deeply insulting to survivors of rape and sexual abuse'.
“Katie Kempen, chief executive at Victim Support in England and Wales said the remarks were 'appalling', 'offensive', 'completely unacceptable and deeply insulting to survivors of rape and sexual abuse'.”
The big picture
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has apologised for calling other airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa 'rapists' after facing backlash from victims' groups and politicians.
