Mrs. Higgins says Henry “offends all (her) friends.” Based on what you’ve seen of Higgins so far, how do you suppose he offends them? Does that make his offensive behavior towards Eliza more acceptable?

Higgins is straightforward, unfiltered, and completely without consideration for others. He alienates his mother's friends because he has no tact or manners. This does not justify his treatment of Eliza or anyone else.