Out of context and from another speaker I would interpret that statement as “I’ve had longstanding connections with this guy. Watch out, he’s a perv but to a degree that’s publicly tolerable. Watch out, he’s got a thing for young girls. All of that has to be tolerated because he’s socially connected.”
Given the speaker, though that between the lines reading may be giving too much credit.
Your hypothetical interpretation is as generous as you can reasonably be. Some people manage to sincerely believe “He had no idea” and it’s ridiculous.
Out of context and from another speaker I would interpret that statement as “I’ve had longstanding connections with this guy. Watch out, he’s a perv but to a degree that’s publicly tolerable. Watch out, he’s got a thing for young girls. All of that has to be tolerated because he’s socially connected.”
Given the speaker, though that between the lines reading may be giving too much credit.
Your hypothetical interpretation is as generous as you can reasonably be. Some people manage to sincerely believe “He had no idea” and it’s ridiculous.