I really don’t think context changes a lot in this case. Being frustrated doesn’t make statements like this acceptable. Neither does starting the sentence with “if” or being right (which he was).

Believe me, my intention is not to attack or discredit Linus. As a SE and Linux enthusiast I have a great deal of respect for him. But this is not exclusive with acknowledging that he is just a human and has flaws like all of us.

I brought this up to show that it’s more complicated than just being “really nice but very honest”, that’s all.