Overview
- Michael O'Leary issued a public video apology on Friday saying he was "sincerely and unreservedly" sorry after coming to realise his words had caused "considerable upset and offence".
- The remarks that sparked the row were made at a press conference ahead of Ryanair’s annual meeting last week when O'Leary likened high‑fare carriers to "high‑fare rapists" and initially defended the wording.
- O'Leary first refused to apologise and rejected an offer of training on sexual‑violence language from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, but says conversations with family and colleagues prompted his reversal.
- The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomed the apology and said it recognised the hurt caused, while the group also reported an increase in helpline contacts after the original comments.
- The incident has widened scrutiny of Ryanair's leadership style and brand risk, and it leaves unanswered questions about whether O'Leary or the company will accept formal training or other remediation.