“Anyways, like I said this morning, these allegations are ridiculous, another story with respect to the Toronto Star going after me, and that’s all I have to say,” he said.

He then proceeded to a city hall flag-raising event held to honour the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, where he appeared shaken as he read a proclamation. As he left, he did not respond when asked twice whether he smokes crack.

Except for Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday, who cast doubt on the legitimacy of the video, Ford’s messaging apparatus was also silent. His loquacious brother and fiercest defender, Councillor Doug Ford, cancelled a planned television appearance and did not return calls. In a departure from some previous controversies, neither the mayor’s chief of staff nor press secretary issued a written statement.

The Fords also cancelled their weekly Sunday radio show on Newstalk 1010.