In light of a new video of Toronto mayor Tom Ford smoking crack emerging, he has announced he will take a leave of absence to help other who struggle with addiction.
The video was seen by two Toronto Globe and Mail reporters and shows Ford smoking a copper pipe in his sister’s basement early Saturday morning. There are three videos in existence, they say.
His drug dealer took the footage and is now shopping it for “at least six figures.” Following the publication confronting him about the videos on Wednesday night at City Hall, he released a statement confirming he would be taking a break from his campaign.
“I have decided to take a leave from campaigning and from my duties as Mayor to seek immediate help," he said in a statement.
He added, “It's not easy to be vulnerable and this is one of the most difficult times in my life," Ford said in a statement Wednesday. "I have a problem with alcohol, and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time,” CNN reports.
Just weeks ago, Ford embarked upon a re-election campaign. It’s not clear if he has suspended it or will still be running for another term.