Rob Ford, Toronto Mayor Accused of Smoking Crack, Brushes Off Claims Police Recovered Video Evidence of Illegal Drug Use
In the ongoing saga revolving around Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Toronto police revealed Thursday they have obtained a video that allegedly continues images of Ford smoking from what is perceived as a crack pipe.
The video in question has been at the center of the controversy after Ford and his legal team have repeatedly denied any such video exists.
Police Chief Bill Blair said the video was recovered after being deleted from a computer hard drive, but insisted the video was not indisputable and therefore could not lead to charges being filed.
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Ford has repeatedly stated he never has smoked crack cocaine and has vowed not to resign while also exclaiming that he is planning on running for re-election.
"I do not use crack cocaine, nor am I an addict of crack cocaine," Ford said during a previous news conference at city hall.
"Anyways, like I said this morning, these allegations are ridiculous, it's another story with respect to the Toronto Star going after me," Ford said. "And that's all I've got to say for now."
There have been other reports that another video was obtained by the Toronto Star and after being reviewed by the editorial staff said the video showed the mayor smoking from a device that resembles a crack pipe.
"I don't know whether or not such a video exists, but I think it would be fair for the public to see such a video and make their own conclusions," Dennis Morris, Rob Ford's attorney, previously said in a statement.
A city councilman stated that the mayor should address this immediately to prevent further distractions at City Hall. He referred to the allegations as "obviously shocking and kind of salacious stuff."
"There have been so many distractions, and it kind of seems to be ongoing," city councilman Josh Colle told Metro Morning during an interview. "You're kind of almost nervous to turn on your radio or TV to see what the next news story's going to be. It's not healthy for the city, that's for sure."
