In a U.S. television network appearance, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said he doesn’t use illegal drugs, but has consumed alcohol since announcing that he had quit drinking.
Speaking to Today Show’s Matt Lauer from his Etobicoke home Tuesday morning, Ford said he “experimented” with drugs about a year ago, but does not use illegal drugs. Asked whether he still drinks, Ford replied: “No, not at all,” before admitting that he has had a drink since publicly announcing that he has quit.
In November, Ford admitted to using crack cocaine, probably during a “drunken stupor.” The admission came after reports of a video that allegedly shows the mayor smoking from what appears to be a crack pipe. In the weeks after his admission, Ford said he was hitting the gym, and had quit drinking alcohol.
But in January, a video of Ford at a fast food restaurant rambling in Jamaican patois surfaced online, prompting the mayor to admit to drinking “a little bit” that night. At the time, he called it a “minor setback.”
Ford told Lauer Tuesday that he had gone out with friends that night.
“I drank and enjoyed myself,” he said. “Maybe you’re perfect, but I’m not and we’re moving on in a positive direction."
Later on Tuesday morning, Ford walked away from a news conference at Toronto city hall after reporters asked him whether he has used drugs since November.
Ford told Lauer that he is still effective as mayor despite the controversies surrounding him and the fact that council has stripped him of most of his powers. He touted his accomplishments and said he’s looking forward to the October election.
“We’re going to win. So I just can’t wait,” he said.
Ford is heading to the Big City Mayors meeting in Ottawa this week, where he said he will discuss Toronto’s infrastructure and funding needs.
