Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Nick Potts via PA

Easyjet executive apologises after motivational video to staff heavily plagiarised Leo's Patrick's Day address

Bellew said he “borrowed” a few phrases.

EASYJET EXECUTIVE PETER Bellew has apologised to his pilots and staff after a video message he delivered to airline employees turned out to be a heavily plagiarised version of Leo Varadkar’s address to the nation on St Patrick’s Day.

A video of both speeches appeared online yesterday, showing Bellew using the exact same turns of phrase Varadkar had said only days previously. 

In an apology to staff, shared widely on social media, Bellew said he “put his hands up” and said he had borrowed a few phrases from the Taoiseach. 

Bellew wrote: “Some of you have spotted similarities between the message I did last week and a recent speech by the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. I can only hold my hands up and apologise.

“I thought the Taoiseach struck exactly the right note and it really resonated in my mind with what we are going through, so I borrowed some of his phrases in my recent message to cabin crew and pilots, which I realise now I should not have done.

“I would like to say sorry to the Taoiseach and to all of you. I will write all of my own speeches in future.”

On Friday, the airline said it would ground the majority of its planes from 24 March, mirroring moves by other carriers worldwide because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Following the country lockdowns, travel restrictions and changes to travel advice across its network, easyJet has taken the decision to ground the majority of its fleet of aircraft from Tuesday 24 March,” a statement said.

EasyJet said flights to repatriate customers were expected to mostly be completed by tomorrow.

It said it would continue to “operate a minimal schedule of essential services on some routes. 

“This will be a maximum of 10% of our usual capacity during this time of year and mainly routes to, from and within the UK,” a statement read.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
93 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonathan O'Riordan
    Favourite Jonathan O'Riordan
    Report
    Nov 8th 2021, 10:35 AM

    Brave man- all compounded byBoris misspeak some years ago

    236
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
    Report
    Nov 8th 2021, 11:22 AM

    Tough time. 5 years are up. Is she getting released ?

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The only INFP in Ireland
    Favourite The only INFP in Ireland
    Report
    Nov 8th 2021, 11:53 AM

    @Marie Broomfield: Just as the 5 years were up, she was handed a new 1 year sentence for protesting at the Iranian embassy in London in 2009. It’s never going to end either unless the British government do what needs to be done

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Quill
    Favourite John Quill
    Report
    Nov 8th 2021, 7:08 PM

    Eat and save your strength, Boris would as soon leave you starve to death.

    27
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds