Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary apologizes after describing rival airlines as rapists

The short version

• Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary issued an unreserved apology for using the term 'rapists' to describe higher-fare competing airlines.[Deutsche Welle]
• The apology follows criticism from victim advocates, including the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, and government leaders in Ireland and the UK.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
• O'Leary originally refused to apologize, claiming his remarks did not trivialize sexual violence, before reversing his stance in a video message.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]

Key facts

• Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary issued a video apology stating he was sincerely and unreservedly sorry for his choice of words.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
• O'Leary originally used the term 'rapists' to characterize competitor airlines charging high fares ahead of Ryanair's shareholder meeting.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
• The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre requested an apology, citing distress reported by sexual assault survivors, which O'Leary initially declined to offer.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
• Irish and UK political officials, including Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin, publicly condemned the executive's language.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises over 'high-fare rapists' remarksBBC News - Business
• Ryanair boss apologizes for calling other airlines 'rapists'Deutsche Welle