Ryanair Chief Michael O'Leary Labels X Platform a 'Cesspit' Amid Public Spat with Elon Musk
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary has launched a scathing attack on Elon Musk's social media platform X, branding it a 'cesspit' during an ongoing and very public disagreement with the tech billionaire. The fiery comments came at a press conference in Dublin on Wednesday, where O'Leary addressed the recent war of words that has captivated business and tech observers.
Musk's Airline Takeover Tease Sparks Feud
The row escalated after Elon Musk floated the provocative idea of purchasing the budget airline Ryanair. Musk suggested this move would 'restore Ryan as their rightful ruler', a pointed jab in their dispute concerning the implementation of WiFi on Ryanair flights. This exchange has highlighted the increasingly personal nature of corporate disagreements in the age of social media.
Starlink WiFi Proposal at Heart of Disagreement
O'Leary revealed that Ryanair has been in discussions with Musk's Starlink satellite internet system for approximately twelve months, exploring options for introducing in-flight WiFi. While he praised Starlink as a 'terrific' technological system, the airline boss outlined significant practical and financial hurdles.
The installation would require fitting aerials onto aircraft, leading to increased fuel drag. O'Leary estimated this modification would carry a staggering cost of between 100 and 200 million euros for the airline, a major point of contention in the negotiations.
Insults and a Surprising Booking Boost
The CEO confirmed that Musk 'took great umbrage' to the WiFi cost concerns and resorted to personal insults on X over the weekend, calling O'Leary an 'idiot'. However, in a twist of corporate irony, O'Leary reported that Musk's very public criticisms have delivered an unexpected benefit for Ryanair.
'It is very good for our bookings,' O'Leary told reporters, noting that the PR spat has driven a significant boost in reservations. He estimated bookings have risen by about 2% to 3% over the last five days, which translates to a substantial number given Ryanair's high passenger volumes.
'We love these PR spats that drive bookings on Ryanair,' he added, acknowledging the mutual publicity value while firmly stating the airline never compromises on safety.
O'Leary's Broader Critique of Social Media
Expanding on his criticism of X, Michael O'Leary expressed a deep personal objection to social media platforms, citing the issue of anonymity as a core problem. 'I do believe social media, X in particular, is a cesspit,' he stated, clarifying that he is not a member or subscriber and does not participate personally.
When questioned about potential social media bans for users under 16, O'Leary argued such measures were pointless. Instead, he advocated for governments to ban anonymity online. He referenced recent controversies involving AI image generation, stating, 'I think the most recent controversy with Grok undressing children or undressing women is, frankly, offensive.'
He called for legal protections, arguing that women, children, and others should be shielded from having their images manipulated in such a manner, noting 'there's enough porn out there for those who want to watch porn.'
Ryanair's Social Media Strategy: A Necessary Evil
Despite his harsh personal views, O'Leary confirmed Ryanair has no plans to withdraw its corporate presence from X or other major platforms. 'Am I happy for Ryanair to be on it? Yes, I am. We have to be out there,' he conceded, listing Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok as essential channels.
He saved particular disdain for TikTok, where Ryanair maintains one of the largest corporate accounts. 'I think, personally, is the greatest amount of rubbish I've ever seen. Talking airplanes, Jesus, is this what the world is coming to?' he remarked, highlighting the tension between modern marketing demands and his personal scepticism.
