Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary faces criticism after he compares rape to the selling of airline tickets, remarks that rape survivor groups and the Women’s Council describe as deeply offensive. Both outlets report that the groups say the analogy trivialises sexual violence and fails to respect survivors.
According to the reporting, the backlash builds as demands grow for a public apology. The Irish Independent adds that O’Leary also made comments that Ireland owes the US and Donald Trump a “huge debt of gratitude,” while declining to comment on whether he has accepted or would accept any Trump-related invitations. The coverage frames the controversy as part of a wider pattern of contentious public statements by the Ryanair boss.
