Calls for O'Leary to apologise over 'rapist' comments
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has demanded an apology from Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary for comparing airline competitors to 'rapists'. The comments have drawn widespread condemnation from politicians and advocacy groups for trivializing sexual violence.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing public and corporate intolerance for the trivialization of sexual violence by high-profile business leaders.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has called on Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary to apologise for using the term "rapists" when speaking about the airline's competitors.
In remarks ahead of his airline's annual general meeting in Dublin, Mr O'Leary said it was "absolutely" appropriate to compare other airlines to "rapists".
The comments have been heavily criticised by victims' campaigners and politicians.
The chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre called for him to apologise and "set a tone from the top".
"... to say that he realises that the comments that he made were inappropriate and they were wrong," Rachel Morrogh said.
She added: "We also want him to accept Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's offer of training so he can understand the harmful impacts of his words."
Ms Morrogh said that the National Rape Crisis Helpline had seen an increase in calls after Mr O'Leary made the remarks.
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