Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said Wednesday, April 30, that he is taking a break from his re-election campaign and his mayoral duties to seek help for alcohol abuse. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/02/world/mayor-rob-ford-help/index.html">The announcement</a> came hours after a local newspaper reported on a new video that allegedly shows Ford smoking crack cocaine on Saturday, April 27. Ford's fall from grace started in May 2013, when a cell phone video taken months earlier appeared to show him smoking crack.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said Wednesday, April 30, that he is taking a break from his re-election campaign and his mayoral duties to seek help for alcohol abuse. The announcement came hours after a local newspaper reported on a new video that allegedly shows Ford smoking crack cocaine on Saturday, April 27. Ford's fall from grace started in May 2013, when a cell phone video taken months earlier appeared to show him smoking crack.
Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press/AP
In the video purportedly filmed April 27, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported that Ford is seen smoking what a drug dealer described as crack from a copper-colored pipe. Two Globe and Mail reporters viewed the video, and the publication said it was shot in what appears to be Ford's sister's basement. The paper said the substance in the pipe could not be confirmed.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
In the video purportedly filmed April 27, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported that Ford is seen smoking what a drug dealer described as crack from a copper-colored pipe. Two Globe and Mail reporters viewed the video, and the publication said it was shot in what appears to be Ford's sister's basement. The paper said the substance in the pipe could not be confirmed.
The Globe and Mail
Ford accidentally knocks down Councilor Pam McConnell, in green, as he runs toward hecklers at City Hall in Toronto on Monday, November 18. That month, the city council stripped him of most of his power as mayor.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Ford accidentally knocks down Councilor Pam McConnell, in green, as he runs toward hecklers at City Hall in Toronto on Monday, November 18. That month, the city council stripped him of most of his power as mayor.
Paola Loriggio/The Canadian Press/AP
Ford reacts to city council members on Thursday, November 14, after former aides told police they had concerns about Ford's drug use and drunken driving.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Ford reacts to city council members on Thursday, November 14, after former aides told police they had concerns about Ford's drug use and drunken driving.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press/AP
Ford displays a milk mustache as he takes part in voting with city council members November 14 in Toronto.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Ford displays a milk mustache as he takes part in voting with city council members November 14 in Toronto.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press/ZUMA PRESS
Hundreds gather in Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square on Wednesday, November 13, to call for Ford to resign.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Hundreds gather in Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square on Wednesday, November 13, to call for Ford to resign.
Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Ford responds to Councilor Denzil Minnan-Wong's motion for him to step down, refusing to take a leave on November 13.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Ford responds to Councilor Denzil Minnan-Wong's motion for him to step down, refusing to take a leave on November 13.
Chris So/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Ford addresses the media at Toronto's City Hall on Tuesday, November 5, as he acknowledges that he smoked crack "probably a year ago," when he was in a "drunken stupor." But he refused to resign despite immense pressure.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Ford addresses the media at Toronto's City Hall on Tuesday, November 5, as he acknowledges that he smoked crack "probably a year ago," when he was in a "drunken stupor." But he refused to resign despite immense pressure.
Chris Young/The Canadian Press/AP
Ford denies using crack during a news conference at City Hall in May 2013. On his right is Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday and on his left is his brother Councilor Doug Ford. Allegations that the mayor had been caught on video smoking crack surfaced in news reports in May. Ford initially insisted the video didn't exist.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford controversy —
Ford denies using crack during a news conference at City Hall in May 2013. On his right is Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday and on his left is his brother Councilor Doug Ford. Allegations that the mayor had been caught on video smoking crack surfaced in news reports in May. Ford initially insisted the video didn't exist.
Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star via Getty Images