I've been watching/listening to the comments made by Eddie in his defence, and nearly started to think that everyone's being a bit harsh - then I heard the audio...

All I can say is what a stupid comment from a media personality. If it was made around a bbq in private, you could nearly excuse a lay-person for making a blunt/insensitive comment and just say "hey - pull your head in - that's a bit racist there". Eddie has been in the media for most of his life, which would largely consist of racial sensitivity & non-discriminatory professional behaviour.
His explanation that he wasn't thinking doesn't cut it, as you could clearly hear him on the audio trying to explain his way through it - without success.