Ryanair CEO refuses to apologize for rival airlines rapist comparison

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has refused to apologize after comparing rival airlines to rapists, a remark that has drawn widespread condemnation from Irish and UK officials and sexual assault support groups. The controversy stems from comments O'Leary made to reporters at a media briefing in Dublin on September 10, ahead of Ryanair's annual general meeting. When discussing competitors, O'Leary stated it was "absolutely appropriate" to compare airlines like Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and British Airways to "highfare rapists" in the context of their pricing. The remarks prompted a swift response from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). Its chief executive, Rachel Morrogh, wrote to O'Leary urging him to apologize, stating the comments were "lazy" and risked making sexual violence seem less serious. Morrogh said the DRCC received calls from upset assault survivors following the remarks and offered O'Leary free training on the impact of sexual violence. In an open letter published on September 11, O'Leary rejected the call for an apology.