I find the comment itself just useless. It doesn't make the question a matter of facts but of values, which is *exactly* where the conspiracy theorists want it. Doctor Cox just cocked this up.
I'm not so sure, I think when it comes from someone so influential and a popular scientist with immense public interest, it doesn't hurt. OK, the blow hards aren't going to be swayed, but there are those doubters who might think 'well if it's good enough for Prof Cox, it's good enough for me.'
I also think that given his position, it is a nice swipe at the likes of JW and Adrian. It shows his disdain and exactly how much time he is going to invest in countering CTs claims - almost nothing! It sends out some form of useful message, even if people want to question the tone and content. It doesn't single out anyone in particular, so I'm comfortbale its not
ad hominen at a personal level.
I also think that given he is a 'TV Professor', the slightly fruity language does make it amusing and it might gain some positive public interest as a result. I'd rather have him in Apollo's corner making such statments