No, I don't see it as a proclamation of innocence at all. I simply see it as fun role playing in spirit with the theme of the game. A RC from Chup at that point in the game makes absolutely zero sense whatsoever. There was no pressure, no one kicking bushes around them, nothing that would prompt a RC. The fact that HH is making it out to be a RC is much, much sketchier imo. I am not sure why you're seeing it as a proclamation of innocence. Why would Chup do something like that at that point in time (not on the chopping block, early on day 1)?