Why did Reddington claim Lindsay was unable to speak and only groaned and made grunting noises?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmGg1HiDNLo&t=150s

Multiple sources have established that Lindsay was in fact heard speaking: Sue O'Connell, commentator who was present in the courtroom, claims she clearly heard the word "basement" spoken by her https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4509451195999011&t=119

Jenna Russell, journalist for the New York Times reported she could make out "I'm scared" from Lindsay https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/29/us/lindsay-clancy-murder-trial-husband.html (https://archive.fo/ReJjC)

Why would he intentionally lie here, if Lindsay did in fact speak during the call?