I would argue hitting people is bad, but if i get punched, you sure as fuck can expect me to punch whoever is punching me. Yes in certain situations, behaviour that is normally not acceptable, can be acceptable or even necessary.

"Your honor, even though the defendent handled in self defense, killing is bad so he should get the death sentence as only saying 'my bad' isn't enough to clear him from his wrongdoings."

Also he didn't downplay his racist comment, he used it as an analogue to hasans "gusano only means worm" comment to show how ridiculous hasan's comment was. (you could argue by showing how ridiculous the argument of the opponent is it actually boldens the severity of his own mistakes)