I don't accept that as an excuse - because if it is a "joke", then it's one that only works if they say this stuff all the time seriously. It's the species of

I don't accept that as an excuse - because if it is a "joke", then it's one that only works if they say this stuff all the time seriously. It's the species of "it's a joke!" that's serious until someone calls them out on it, then they retreat to claiming it was just a joke.