"I take offense at the term." Anything but that word, seriously.

She wrinkles her nose. "He knows that word bothers me, and he can't exactly stand by and let someone insult me to my face." He'd said as much. "But I apologize for him all the same. He didn't come to start a fight, and he's sorry it happened. I am, as well." Now accept her apology, please and they can get on with this.