Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary has issued an apology for his earlier remarks comparing rival airlines to “rapists” over their high ticket prices. The comments, made earlier this month, drew sharp criticism from politicians in both the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Initially, O’Leary defended his language, stating that his choice of words was “absolutely” appropriate to describe competitors’ pricing strategies. However, following discussions with family members, friends, and colleagues within Ryanair over the past week, he decided to retract his statement.

In a public apology, O’Leary acknowledged that his use of the term caused significant upset and offense, particularly to victims and survivors of sexual violence. He expressed sincere regret for his careless language, stating that he would strive to avoid such mistakes in the future and to do better in his communication.

The apology marks a reversal from O’Leary’s initial stance, signaling a recognition of the wider sensitivity surrounding his comments. The airline chief’s remarks had ignited a broader debate on the appropriateness of language used in corporate criticism and underscored the risks public figures face when employing provocative rhetoric.