I don’t think there is a satisfactory explanation she could give for that particular quote, save for taking full responsibility for what she said, acknowledging that it was an awful thing to say, and apologizing for it.

As for the rest of the conference, sounds like it was a lot of fun, lol! Seriously though, it’s a shame that all the drama seems to have snuffed out a golden opportunity for more meaningful dialogue. It’s not everyday you get that many influential thinkers in one place together. I wish I could have been there myself. I’m a big fan of John McWhorter and would have loved to hear him speak in person.