The excuse is one of those funny ones where they are basically saying "Oh no, we weren't trying to make that shitty statement, we were actually trying to make this shitty statement instead!"

I don't see it as an accident or buy this for a second. It's bs, but even their supposed excuse isn't good. Deporting an ambassador is already basically just throwing a tantrum, and doing it because somebody in the West finally got the balls to criticize the bullshit your government pulls is just political. It is clear the Saudis are worried that other governments will start to do the same, and they want to send a message.