Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has apologised for using the term "rapists" to describe competitor airlines at the airline's annual general meeting in Dublin. The comment sparked widespread criticism from victims' support groups, politicians, and organisations across the UK and Ireland, with particular concern that trivialising such serious crimes could harm survivors. O'Leary issued his apology ten days after initially defending the remarks and refusing calls to say sorry.

O'Leary used the phrase "high-fare rapists" when discussing competitors including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Aer Lingus, arguing passengers would switch to Ryanair for cheaper fares. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's chief executive Rachel Morrogh called his comments "lazy and uninformed" and offered free training on sexual violence, which he initially rejected. Following reflection and conversations with family and friends, O'Leary issued a video apology acknowledging his language had caused "considerable upset and offence" to survivors and victims of rape.