- Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has issued a sincere and unreserved apology for comparing competitor airlines to rapists.
- O’Leary had previously defended his use of the phrase high-fare rapists when referring to competitors such as Aer Lingus , Lufthansa , and British Airways .
- The remarks drew intense criticism from sexual violence victims' groups, politicians including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
- In a video message, O’Leary admitted that conversations with family and friends made him realise the careless use of the term caused considerable upset and offence.
- He promised to learn from the mistake and assured survivors of sexual violence that such language would not be used again.
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