George Brown College student captures Rob Ford slurring “Let’s go party!” on video
Tina Todaro, Staff Reporter
GBC student Mala Turay filmed a rambling Rob Ford slurring his words at the Taste of the Danforth Festival. Photo: Facebook.
Every year the city of Toronto hosts its annual Taste of the Danforth, a festival designed to celebrate Toronto’s Greek community. This year, not only did the Greek community get publicity, but so did Toronto’s Mayor Rob Ford.
On Friday, Aug. 9, a full-time George Brown College finance student, Mala Turay, 20, was a witness to Ford’s visit to Taste of the Danforth.
Two blocks south of the Danforth at Greenwood Ave., Turay filmed Ford as proof to his friends that not only had he seen the Mayor, but apparently saw him in an intoxicated state.
Describing Ford’s behavior, Turay said, “He was noticeably intoxicated, swaying side to side, slurring words and rambling at times.”
Turay filmed Ford around 9:45 p.m. when he noticed Ford taking to his neighbours.
“When I first saw him talking to my neighbours, as pictured, he was alone by his truck and when I got closer he looked intoxicated,” said Turay. “My concern was the drinking and driving part.”
In the video Ford can be heard saying, “I’m not driving. I’m not driving.” after being asked by Turay if he drove there.
Responding to the extent of the publicity created by his videos, which have been viewed a combined 700,000 times, Turay said, “I never thought it would get this big,” and that he believed the video would simply be viewed and laughed off.
Turay’s video was one of a number of videos and photos posted to social media of Ford’s visit to Taste of the Danforth.
“I’m concerned because this isn’t the first time he’s been reported as intoxicated at a public event,” said Turay. “He did admit to a couple of beers, but when? I didn’t see him drink anything but coffee.”
This incident was one in a chain of several allegations of alcohol and drug use by Ford in the past year. What began as a simple visit to an annual Toronto event turned into yet another story about Ford’s questionable conduct.
