Ryanair CEO apologizes for 'high-fare rapists' remark

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's CEO, has apologized for his remarks about the airline industry being 'high-fare rapists'. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) had written to him asking for an apology after he described rival airlines as 'desperate to get to Ryanair's low fares because they can't afford to fly with the high-fare rapists around Europe. 'However, O'Leary defended his choice of words and said rape was a 'terrible crime'.

According to the DRCC, O'Leary's comments were met with significant distress among rape victims. The centre stated that they received calls from survivors who expressed their outrage over his remarks. O'Leary defended his choice of words, stating that he did not intend to trivialize the severity of rape. However, he acknowledged that his language was 'careless' and apologized for any offense caused.

The apology comes after a video posted by O'Leary showed him discussing his remarks with family and friends over the past ten days. O'Leary has previously made similar remarks about rival airlines, including calling British Airways and Lufthansa 'high-fare rapists'. However, he defended these comments, stating that they were intended to highlight the competitive nature of the industry. Nevertheless, his apology for his remarks is seen as a significant step in addressing the concerns raised by the DRCC.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has offered O'Leary training on the impact of sexual violence and urged him to continue working towards creating a safer environment for survivors. As for Ryanair, the airline has stated that it will not charge parents to sit next to children after a watchdog investigation found that its previous policy complied with laws. However, the company has defended its business practices and stated that it will continue to operate as usual.

The apology from O'Leary marks a significant shift in his public image, following a period of controversy surrounding his remarks about rape victims. The centre has welcomed the apology, stating that it is a positive step towards creating a safer environment for survivors.

However, some critics have expressed disappointment with O'Leary's apology, stating that it does not go far enough in addressing the severity of his remarks. Nevertheless, the apology