Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is apologizing for saying on live TV that he has “more than enough to eat at home.”
Why? Because he wasn’t talking about food.
The jaw-dropping remarks came Thursday morning while Mayor Ford was defending himself against the latest string of bombshell allegations that make smoking crack look like child’s play. According to a newly unredacted police investigation released Wednesday, Ford’s former staffers suspected him of using cocaine and OxyContin, drinking on the job, cavorting with prostitutes, and making lewd, threatening comments to a female staff member about oral sex.
Ford vehemently denied the allegations and said he would take legal action against three former staffers and a waitress cited in the investigation. But it was his last comment that left Canadian reporters stunned.
“The last thing is, Olivia Gondek said I want to eat her pussy–I’ve never said that in my life to her,” said Ford. “I would never do that. I’m happily married and I’ve got more than enough to eat at home.”
Hours later, the mayor apologized for offering unsolicited details about his sex life with his wife and asked the media to respect his family’s privacy.
“I want to apologize for my graphic remarks this morning,” he said at a press conference Thursday. “Today, I acted on complete impulses.”
Ford also said he was “receiving professional support” for his substance abuse issues, but wouldn’t go into detail about its scope.
On Wednesday, the Toronto City Council voted to pass a symbolic motion asking the mayor to take a leave of absence, which he promptly shot down. Ford will be back before the council on Friday for a special meeting aimed at stripping the mayor of certain powers, like those that deal with emergency management and committee chairs.
Emma Margolin
Emma Margolin is a reporter at MSNBC.com.