The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has condemend Michael O’Leary for his “flippant” and “arrogrant” use of the words rape, which they claimed would “cause such distress to survivors”. 

Speaking ahead of Ryanair’s annual general meeting, Mr O’Leary was asked about the cost of air travel in Europe and he responded by labelling his competitors “high-fare rapists”. 

When challenged about his language by a journalist, Mr O’Leary replied that he thought the words ‘rapists’ was “absolutely” the right word to describe rival firms. 

On Lunchtime Live, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO Rachel Morrogh said she was “pretty shocked” when she heard his words, despite knowing that Mr O’Leary is a man “who loves to shock”. 

“It was so flippant and so ill-considered and so arrogant to think that he can use a word like that so casually,” she said. 

“And isn't he so lucky that he does work for an airline and doesn't have to witness the effects of rape every day of the week like we do in the Rape Crisis Centres around Dublin.” 

Michael O'Leary taking questions from journalists. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie.

Ms Morrogh added that the Dublin Rape Crisis intends to write to Mr O’Leary and offer him some training about the harmful impact of rape, which will explain to him why his words “verbalised this historical trope that perpetuates harmful attitudes when it comes to rape and sexual violence”. 

“I imagine that later in the day when people, particularly at lunchtime actually, listening to shows like this, checking in on the news at their lunch break, we will absolutely be getting calls,” she said. 

“For people supporting survivors of sexual violence as well, we try so hard to create a society where sexual violence isn't trivialised. 

“And comparing high fares to rape is totally wrong, totally wrong; it's going to cause such distress to survivors.”

Anyone impacted by sexual violence can call the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888 for support.

Main image: Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary. Picture by: Alamy.com.