The mayor of Canada's largest city admitted today that he once smoked crack, months after a video allegedly showing him taking the drug surfaced and sparked calls for his resignation.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, 44, however denied he was an addict, in comments that marked a stunning turnaround following repeated steadfast denials of the explosive drug allegations.
"Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine," Ford told reporters outside his office.
"Am I an addict? No. Have I tried it? Probably in one of my drunken stupors," he added.
Ford said he believed the incident happened "about a year ago," but admitted: "I don't know exactly."
"I've made mistakes. All I can do now is apologise and move on," he said. "It is what it is."
Following his admission, Ford rushed back into his office, without commenting on his political future.
He had until today steadfastly denied the drug allegations, rebuffed calls for his resignation and vowed to run for re-election next year.
The 90-second clip at the center of the scandal has caused an uproar since its existence was first reported in May.
