I get what he meant, when the word is said as a character, it's not offensive. When it's said ironically, it shouldn't be offensive, because it's like playing a character. However, you have to be sure that doesn't listening to you understand the context of what you mean. And if you're quoting it, it's just quoting it. It's not like you mean it.

If you're saying it in a nonchalant way, it can be cringy and possibly insensitive depending on your audience. I mean I'm mixed race but I wouldn't feel comfortable using other words, like the slur for Jews.

And if you're saying it in a derogatory way, I think most of us can agree it's wrong.

The fanbase oversimplies it, and Ian oversimplified it. But not in the same way