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'Truly sorry': Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary U-turns to apologise 'unreservedly' over 'high-fare rapists' jibe

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair chief executive, who faced ten days of fierce criticism from politicians and victims' groups before issuing an "unreserved" apology for his "high-fare rapists" remarks.
Michael O'Leary, Ryanair chief executive, who faced ten days of fierce criticism from politicians and victims' groups before issuing an "unreserved" apology for his "high-fare rapists" remarks.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has issued a grovelling climbdown after initially insisting it was "absolutely" appropriate to describe rival airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa as "high-fare rapists". In a video posted online, O'Leary said he was "truly sorry" for causing "considerable upset and offence" — particularly to rape survivors — after 10 days of refusing to back down.

O'Leary had previously told the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre he would "certainly not be issuing any apology".

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, had written to O'Leary saying rape victims called her centre "upset and distressed" by his words.

Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "disappointed" and urged O'Leary to "listen to the voice of women" over the row.

MoreYahoo News UKRyanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises for 'offensive' rapist comparisonEvening StandardRyanair boss apologises over ‘rapists’ commentbristolpost.co.ukRyanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises after comparing rivals to 'rapists' - bristolpost.co.ukNY PostRyanair CEO apologizes for comparing rival European airlines to ‘rapists’ in wild rantdw.comRyanair boss apologizes for calling other airlines 'rapists' - dw.com
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