Michael O’Leary Faces Backlash Over High-Fare Rapists Comments

O’Leary Defends Remarks Amid Calls for Apology

The billionaire airline executive made the comments while discussing rising air travel prices across the industry, telling reporters at Ryanair’s headquarters that passengers would abandon competitors like Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and British Airways to secure low fares. Mr O’Leary stated that travelers desperate for cheaper flights would find themselves dealing with what he termed high-fare rapists around Europe. When reporters challenged whether the language was appropriate or offensive to victims of sexual assault, Mr O’Leary defended the phrasing, telling journalists that he would happily offend the rival airlines mentioned. Asked directly if the comments trivialized rape, he replied, That’s what I call high-fare airlines like Lufthansa, BA and others, while acknowledging that rape is a terrible crime.

Support Groups and Politicians Condemn Statements

The remarks drew swift backlash from advocacy groups, including the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, whose chief executive Rachel Morrogh told the Press Association that she was dismayed by the remarks, describing them as lazy and uninformed. Ms Morrogh added that for many survivors of rape, his words will be deeply hurtful and angering to hear, and announced plans to write to Mr O’Leary to offer him training on the harmful impact of trivializing sexual violence. Additional condemnation came from Rape Crisis England & Wales chief executive Ciara Bergman, who called the comparison shameful and embarrassing, alongside Victim Support chief executive Katie Kempen, who termed the remarks appalling, offensive, and completely unacceptable. The UK transport secretary noted that women were not rushing to book Ryanair flights following the controversy, according to The Journal. In Ireland, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers and junior transport minister Jerry Buttimer both publicly urged Mr O’Leary to withdraw the comments and issue an apology, with Mr Chambers calling the statements shocking.

Dispute Escalates with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO

The fallout intensified when Mr O’Leary doubled down on his stance and accused Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO Rachel Morrogh of making defamatory comments, according to the Irish Independent. Refusing to apologize or withdraw the remarks, the Ryanair boss maintained his position as political leaders and labor representatives, including Fórsa cabin crew union spokesman, continued to criticize the language as deeply inappropriate, according to RTÉ.