Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary is once again in hot water after his recent remarks about airlines with high fares, which he referred to as “high-fare rapists.” Speaking to journalists, O’Leary defended his choice of words, claiming that some travelers are “desperate to get to Ryanair’s low fares.” This statement has stirred quite a debate, drawing criticism from various quarters, including Ireland’s deputy premier Simon Harris, who labeled O’Leary’s language as “clearly an inappropriate use of language.” Harris added that O’Leary “should have moved to rectify it,” emphasizing that many people would probably think twice before booking tickets with him after such comments.
In a yearly meeting with shareholders, when asked by a reporter from the Press Association if his language was appropriate, O’Leary boldly replied, “Absolutely.” He didn’t shy away from expressing his disdain for other airlines either, claiming he’d “happily offend” British Airways, Lufthansa, and others, referring to their high fares as a “terrible crime.” These comments didn’t sit well with everyone, and the chief executive of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Centre, Rachel Morrogh, wrote to O’Leary expressing her distress over his remarks. She stated that many were “upset and distressed because of what you said.”
In his response, O’Leary maintained that he had not “trivialized the heinous crime of rape,” insisting that he wouldn’t apologize for his words. This isn’t the first time O’Leary has found himself in hot water. Earlier this year, he referred to airlines that overcharge as “lazy bastards” and said they didn’t want to hear their “sob stories.”
In another controversial move, O’Leary had said that the airline would “reluctantly” not charge parents to sit next to their children—a statement that drew its own backlash, highlighting the ongoing tension between budget airlines and customer service.
As the dust settles on this latest controversy, many are left wondering: what will O’Leary say next? Will he tone down his rhetoric, or are we in for more fiery remarks from the outspoken CEO?
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber