I suggest that you research Kugel’s main area of scholarship. He believes that Torah was written by human beings CH”V and he does not “agree” with everything that is written. Check it out – or don’t. You’re better off not knowing this kefirah.
Yes, he did avoid the controversial topics at that speech, but I’m not sure why. The quote that I read from the TEIQU spokesperson indicated that they brought him in precisely because they had studied those works and were interested in exploring them further.
And I’m sad to say that your last paragraph does not sound strange to me, because I am aware of the criticism. No need for you to suggest that I research it. I know far more than I want to.