Key facts
- Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary described rival airlines as "high-fare rapists."
- The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre asked O'Leary for an apology.
- O'Leary refused to apologize, stating his remarks did not trivialize rape.
- Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris called O'Leary's language "inappropriate."
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander suggested rape victims would not book flights with Ryanair.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has refused to apologize to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) for his remarks describing rival airlines as "high-fare rapists." O'Leary stated that some people "can't afford to fly with the high-fare rapists around Europe" and doubled down on his language when questioned by journalists.