Elon Musk and Michael O’Leary Engage in Fiery Twitter Exchange

A lively exchange erupted on Twitter between Elon Musk and Michael O’Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, following O’Leary’s decision to reject the installation of Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi service on the airline’s flights. The back-and-forth, which began on January 19, 2026, quickly escalated into a series of sharp comments that drew considerable attention online.

O’Leary’s refusal to adopt Starlink was met with Musk’s scathing remarks. Musk, known for his candid and often controversial social media presence, referred to O’Leary in disparaging terms, calling him a “retarded twat” during the exchange. This comment received significant backlash and only intensified the feud. In his characteristic style, Musk also suggested he might consider buying Ryanair, questioning, “How much would it cost to buy you?” This provocative statement further fueled the Twitter spat.

In response, O’Leary showcased his signature wit. During a press conference, he referenced Musk’s comments and humorously remarked, “He would have to join the back of a very very queue of people that already think I’m a r*tarded twat, including my four teenage children.” O’Leary’s humorous retort resonated with many, as it highlighted both his confidence and the absurdity of the situation.

The exchange has captivated social media users, with various accounts sharing clips and memes from the confrontation. Users praised O’Leary’s quick wit and ability to handle Musk’s trolling effectively. One tweet noted, “Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary is hilarious, just like their Twitter account stuffing Elon in a locker.”

O’Leary further elaborated on the potential implementation of Starlink, expressing doubt about its profitability for Ryanair. He stated, “The Starlink people believe that 90% of our passengers would happily pay for Wi-Fi access. Our experience tells us less than 10% would pay.” This insight into consumer behavior in the airline industry adds context to the ongoing debate over in-flight connectivity services.

As the Twitter spat continued to unfold, many users expressed admiration for O’Leary’s ability to turn a contentious situation into a moment of humor and publicity. Comments ranged from admiration of O’Leary’s entrepreneurial spirit to critiques of Musk’s approach. One user remarked, “O’Leary has made a career and built Ryanair into what it is now out of stuff like this.”

Ultimately, this social media exchange has resonated beyond the original context, drawing in a wide audience and highlighting the personalities involved. Musk’s comments have, perhaps unexpectedly, galvanized public support for O’Leary, with one tweet stating, “In a feat nobody saw coming, Elon Musk has managed to rally the entire Irish nation behind Michael O’Leary.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public perception and the dynamics of corporate leadership. As the conversation continues, both Musk and O’Leary remain key figures in their respective industries, with their exchanges likely to generate further discussion in the future.