Responding to questions about a newly released video in which he is heard using threatening and profane language, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford told reporters he was "extremely inebriated" and that he has made "mistakes."
Ford addressed questions about the video obtained by the Toronto Star Thursday, telling reporters at city hall that it is "extremely embarrassing."
"Again I've made mistakes, all I can do is reassure the people that … I don’t know what to say," he said.
"I just want to come out and tell you that I saw a video … it's extremely embarrassing."
He added: "When you're in that state… I hope none of you have ever or will ever be in that state.
"Obviously, I was extremely, extremely inebriated… that's all I have to say for now."
In the video Ford is seen pacing back and forth, swearing multiple times, and using threatening words including "kill" and "murder."
The context of the video is unknown and it's unclear who the mayor is addressing.
When pressed by reporters, Ford offered no context for the video.
Toronto Police spokesperson Mark Pugash confirmed to CP24 that police are aware of the video and that Police Chief Bill Blair has seen it. Blair declined to comment.
Shortly after Ford's remarks, Toronto Star Editor Michael Cooke told CP24 that the video was obtained on Wednesday during a meeting at Union Station.
The Star later revealed on its website that it paid $5,000 for the video and that the paper has been assured the money will go to “the legal and beneficial use of a family.”
Toronto Star reporter Kevin Donovan said the video was shot at a Ford constituent’s house.
The Star’s source filmed the video from a computer belonging to a person who was in the room when Ford’s outburst took place. The paper reported that four people were present at the time and that one of them filmed the mayor with a phone camera.
It appears that the video was shot during nighttime. The Star said the video has two distinct cuts “where it appears the person stopped filming then started again or edited together three short clips.”
Donovan is also one of two Star reporters who viewed a separate video showing Ford smoking from what appears to be a crack pipe.
That video was recently recovered by police as part of their investigation into drugs and gangs in Toronto’s west end, dubbed Project Traveller.
Donovan said The Star, along with other media outlets, is now hoping to get more court documents released that will shed more light on Ford’s connection to Project Traveller.
Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly cautioned reporters Thursday that the newly released Fordvideo captured a "private moment" and the context was not yet known.
Later, after speaking with the mayor, Kelly said Ford is "cognizant of the situation."
Kelly is among a number of Ford's colleagues at city hall who've called on the mayor to take a leave.
The new video comes amid a push by Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong to limit Ford's power to hire and fire the deputy mayor and committee chairs.
Minnan-Wong’s motion may include an amendment asking the province to step in if Ford refuses to step down.
On Tuesday Ford admitted he had smoked crack cocaine, in what he called a "drunken stupor."
Despite calls to step down, Ford has said he has no plans on taking a leave or resigning.
With files from Marlene Leung and CP24's Katie Simpson and Cristina Tenaglia
