This storyline is not really about the comment in my opinion, it's about the way these seemingly innocent remarks do upset people.
One interesting point is how easily it could have been sorted with an apology (on both sides) in the pub at the time of the incident.
Also, as a black woman I was very aware of the 'Ive got black friends comment' from Paul ... making him think he can't say anything to offend. Just because a person has fat friends doesn't make their comments about fat people appropriate.
Many black people ignore comments everyday of the week, good white friends may not even realise they cause offence. I reckon Lloyd's response was that of a grown man in front of his daughter. Not many men enjoy being 'embarrassed' in front of his child.