Doesn't sound like they are defending him to me.
https://www.indiewire.com/2018/07/chris-pratt-zoe-saldana-break-silence-james-gunn-fired-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-1201987056/
I've noticed similar.
Had same thought as well as, slowly changing the message/delivery. Gentle Awakening…before the bucket of ice water.
Reduce shock/damage to system.