Well, of course he does. He'd be stupid not to. But it's very easy to say "ONLY JOKING" whenever you get called on your offensive bullshit that you originally intended.
Yes didn't he say he meant to cause offense? Using that word (or any word) to offend non blacks does not somehow cause it to grow tentacles and attack every black person alive. Context and intent matters and I don't think you or anyone else gets to make that call on "hidden motives" or effects beyond what is stated on record.