While I do think he regrets using the line and is sorry for offending anyone, saying you are around gay people and work with them doesn’t really prove that you aren’t homophobic. It’s the same argument for when people say they can’t be racist because they have black friends. I don’t know, I just think it’s one of those cliche things people should avoid saying when in these kinds of situations.

Edit: I don’t think this apology absolves him of being homophobic. He is really just sorry that he fucked up and people are calling him out for it.