Toronto mayor Rob Ford has been in the media, making international headlines since his election in 2010. Ford was ordered to step down from his position after it was discovered that he was soliciting funds for the Rob Ford Football Foundation, which is a private organization that supports high school athletics programs. Ford appealed the decision and won, giving him the chance to remain in office.
Ford has also been making headlines for his outrageous comments and even more outrageous behavior, including hid admission to smoking crack cocaine, knocking down a council woman when trying to aid his brother, public drunkenness, and irate 911 calls.
According to CTV News, Ford recently announced that he is taking a break from his re-election in order to seek help with his alcoholism.
"I have a problem with alcohol, and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time," Ford said in a statement. "I have tried to deal with these issues by myself over the past year. I know that I need professional help and I am now 100 per cent committed to getting myself right."
Here are the top 10 crazy and memorable moments of Rob Ford.
[new page=Losing his cool]
10. Rob Ford Loses His Cool
When reporters go to Ford's home to question him on a video of his drug use, Ford becomes irate, asking photographers to get off of his property. He is seen pushing reporters and their cameramen off of his lawn as he proceeds to his car and drives off.
[new page=Showing off his dance moves]
9. Rob Ford Shows Off His Dance Moves
Rob Ford and other council members celebrate the holidays with some music and dancing in the council chambers. While Ford may not have been the only one dancing, he was definitely the most enthusiastic.
[new page=Attacking reporters]
8. Rob Ford Attacks reporter
Ford got into a confrontation with a Toronto Star reporter named Daniel Dale. Ford claimed that Dale was taking pictures of him and his young children, calling him a pedophile. Dale admitted that he was taking pictures, but not of Fords family, they were of a property that Ford was interested in buying. Dale claimed he wanted to check out the property for a future story. He claimed Ford approached him and threatened to punch him if he did not turn off his camcorder.
[new page=Soliciting funds]
7. Rob Ford Solicits Funds
Rob Ford was forced by a judge to step down as mayor after being discovered for soliciting $3,100 of donations he made to his Rob Ford Football Foundation on official letterhead and seal. He was ordered to step down as well as repay the funds that was given to the foundation. Ford appealed the decision, and remains mayor.
[new page=Calling 911]
6. Rob Ford Calls 911
In October of 2011, Mary Walsh, creator of the weekly Canadian television comedy show This Hour Has 22 minutes, approached Ford at his home. Walsh’s role was that of a suburban housewife who dresses like Xena, Warrior Princess and ambushes local politicians with ridiculous questions. Failing to escape, Ford goes back into his home and calls the police. After calling a second time, angry that the police still haven't shown, he was recorded saying "Don't you f***ing know? I'm Rob f***ing Ford, the mayor of this city!" Ford released a statement claiming that he was only angry, and that he did not call anyone names.
[new page=Views on the Asian workforce]
5. Rob Ford's views on the Asian Community
During a City Council debate about holiday shopping hours, Ford began speaking about Asian manufacturing companies, saying:
"The Oriental people, they work like dogs. They sleep next to their machines. They’re slowly taking over."
Ford later apologized for using the world "Oriental." However he apparently sees no offense in everything else he said.
[new page=Fast food drunkenness]
4. Rob Ford's Fast Food Behavior
Video released of Ford in a fast food restaurant, speaking in a Jamaican accent, and swearing. When asked about the incident, Ford admitted that he did have a few drinks that night, despite telling reporters that he does not drink. He also explained that he was just with a group of friends and believes he did not offend anyone.
[new page=More than enough]
3. Rob Ford has 'More Than Enough'
When confronting reporters about different rumors being told about him, he spoke about Olivia Gondek, a former advisor, and how allegations of him performing oral sex with her are false. However, Ford was more forthcoming in his word selection when speaking to reporters, using vulgar language and seemingly unapologetic about it.
"Oh and the last thing was Olivia Gondek, it says that I wanted to eat her p***y. Olivia Gondek. I've never said that in my life to her. I would never do that. I'm happily married. I've got more than enough to eat at home."
**Video contains graphic language**
[new page= Admits to smoking crack]
2. Rob Ford Admits to Smoking Crack Cocaine
When speaking with reporters, Ford admits that he has smoked crack cocaine, however, he says he is not an addict, and that he only made a mistake. He states that he has not seen the tape which shows him smoking, but he cannot change the past and apologizes to his family and friends.
[new page=Knocking over a council woman]
1. Rob Ford Knocks Over a Council Woman
While running through Toronto's city council chambers, Ford runs into a council woman, and knocks her over. He claims that he was running to his brother who he thought was about to get into an altercation with hecklers. After admitting to smoking crack cocaine and buying illegal drugs, Toronto's City Council was meeting to discuss whether to strip Ford of mayoral powers.