Did Designer For A.P.C go to far... Timberland severs ties with A.P.C over the "N" word

This week, Designer Jean Touitou presented his Fall/Winter 2015 menswear collection in Paris and it was quite controversial to say the least. The A.P.C. creative director and founder showed a range of 25 looks that highlighted his classic, effortless chic looks paired with classic Timberland boots.  The kicker is a  portion of his collection was titled the “LAST NI##@$ IN PARIS” and he held a sign up bearing the name to add salt to injury.
According to a Style.com reporter who attended the presentation, the designer's explanation was:  “I call this one look Last N****s in Paris. Why? Because it’s the sweet spot when the hood—the ‘hood—meets Bertolucci’s movie Last Tango in Paris. So that’s ‘N****s in Paris’ and Last N****s in Paris. [Nervous laughter from audience.] Oh, I am glad some people laughed with me. Yes, I mean, it’s nice to play with the strong signifiers. The Timberland here is a very strong ghetto signifier. In the ghetto, it is all the Timberlands, all the big chain. Not at the same time—never; it’s bad taste. So, we designed Timberlands with Timberland…”
I am confused! don't get his explanation...  Even if racial jokes in Paris are not as touchy his brand is International and he should know better.   Another part of me feels bad for him because he is friends with Kanye West, they worked together and I guess he figured since kanye & Jay Z recorded 'NI##@$ IN PARIS'  (Video Here) a year ago, he may have been paying homage to the song.  Note to Society...If a word is deemed unethical DO NOT USE regardless of your race.