One question not being considered here. Is there a difference between one making a racist inappropriate statement as compared to being defined as an actual racist?
How could there be any difference? Simple. Some kids challenge their parents at times and ask, "Are you calling me a liar?" I think a parent can rightly say to their kid if they know they have and say, "No I'm not saying you're a liar from the standpoint of an established character, so no I'm not. But that actual thing you said was a lie!"
I think to call, label and define somebody as racist somethings in all fairness there should be a lot of slack cut towards one who one day made a mistake who maybe said something or did something which was outside their normal usual character. What one looks for is a pattern of being condescending. Sadly it seems we don't live in a world which does that any more.
One wrong word stated and people will seek to destroy you. If we choose to lean towards mercy and wanting to believe the best of people we can consider perhaps that person had a bad day....they were upset or tired and being in such a state they said something stupid. A merciful heart looks and tries to minimize the mistake knowing we all can make one in a time of being upset. So yes if the tape was genuine I'd consider the clip would be a racist comment BUT such doesn't mean the person was a racist. I like to show more mercy than that.