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Rob Ford Admits To Substance Abuse, Announces Leave Of Absence
Rob Ford admits alcohol addiction, seeks professional help.
Toronto’s colourful mayor Rob Ford has finally admitted to having an alcohol problem and is seeking treatment. This follows the Toronto Sun releasing raunchy audio of the mayor swearing and ranting in an Etobicoke bar. With a history of substance abuse and lewd behaviour, this is a welcome step for the high-profile mayor.
In a public statement, Ford announced he is taking temporary leave from his office for an unspecified period of time “to seek immediate help”. In the interim, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly will assume Ford’s powers at the office.
The Globe and Mail claims to have further evidence of drug abuse by the mayor/ globeandmail
Toronto city councillor Doug Ford, spoke publicly on the latest in the Ford saga, saying, “As an older brother, I am relieved that Rob has faced his problems and has decided to seek professional help. I love my brother. I will continue to stand by my brother. Please respect his privacy.”
Controversy surrounding the mayor ignited in 2013 with rumours of wild nights and substance abuse. The Toronto Police said they had obtained video footage of the mayor under the influence, and after months of denial, Ford acknowledged that he had smoked crack cocaine.
Ford appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live!/ nationalpost
Ford’s admission made international headlines and he came into the line of fire of late night talk shows. Jimmy Kimmel in particular took keen interest and invited Ford to be a guest on his show. His latest scandal also gave enough fodder to many late night shows. Jimmy Kimmel said; "He finally admitted he needs professional help. I agree: he needs professional help, he needs amateur help, he should go see a witch doctor. Get help, anything."
Jon Stewart, taking a dig at mayor's decision to seek professional help, said, "No. 1 on the list of things that I thought would never happen."
White House Correspondents’ Dinner aka #nerdprom had some laughs too. “People say Toronto mayor Rob Ford is a clumsy mess but he can’t help it, he’s a big guy,” said Joel McHale, the featured comedian for the gala event. “He’s like a bull in a crack pipe shop.”
Ford refused to resign and continued as the mayor of Canada’s largest city. Toronto City Council voted against Ford to curtail his powers, giving Deputy Mayor Kelly sufficient powers to put him at par with the mayor.
Despite the constant firestorm of criticism and scandal, the outspoken mayor is still loved by many. As soon as Ford announced his leave, Torontonians took to Twitter showing their support.
The charisma of Rob Ford has baffled many and all eyes are on the October elections when the city votes for a new, or perhaps the same, mayor.
Featured Image: globalnews
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