Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary faces criticism after defending remarks in which he compared rival airlines to “rapists,” prompting condemnation from victims’ groups and politicians in the UK and Ireland. In his initial response, he refused to apologise, including dismissing requests for a “swift apology” and rejecting an offer of training related to sexual violence.

O’Leary’s comments draw on a framing in which passengers “can’t afford” higher fares, and multiple outlets report he said it was “absolutely” appropriate to make the comparison, describing competitors such as British Airways and Lufthansa. BBC and other coverage focus on his defence of the phrase and the underlying message about fares. Other outlets stress concerns that the wording trivialises rape or has impact on rape victims, citing criticism by ministers.

The overall picture across outlets is one of escalating public backlash followed by a shift in position. While some reports describe O’Leary initially doubling down and refusing to apologise, RTE reports that he ultimately apologises “sincerely and unreservedly” for using the term “high-fare rapists.”