ALBAWABA - Michael O'Leary, chief of the Irish budget airline Ryanair has apologized on Friday for his comment in describing his competition as ‘rapists’ due to their perceived high prices.
The apology was directed at sexual assault survivors as the comment in the context of high prices was deemed to be trivializing the crime.
"I have come to realize, however, that the word I used so carelessly has caused considerable upset and offence to a wide number of people, especially victims and survivors," O'Leary said.
EXCLUSIVE: Michael O' Leary apologises over "rapist" remarks. Our reporter Mairéad Cleary will have the latest on #VMNews at 5.30pm.More on Virgin Media PLAY pic.twitter.com/uXnEOicUHl
This is a walk back by Leary from his earlier stance of refusing to apologize for the same comment; he in fact insisted that his comment was “absolutely” appropriate, saying:
"Since I certainly did not trivialize the heinous crime of rape, I will certainly not be issuing any apology," he said last week in response to criticism from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
The incident drew UK's transport minister Heidi Alexander to comment on the matter, saying in a LBC radio interview that:
"Mr. O'Leary is often quick to share his considered thoughts with me and with the wider world."
"I would say that women who have been raped and who have been subjected to such appalling violence, I'm not sure they're going to be rushing to book tickets with him, let's be honest."
Condemnation for Leary’s comment was heard from Ireland's deputy premier, Simon Harris, as well.
Pshemaf Choiaqo is a digital marketer with a passion for media, style, and presentation.
He enjoys researching unorthodox and nonconventional subjects almost as much as he enjoys writing about them.
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