Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s wife Renata expressed concern about her husband’s drug use to a “confidant,” according to a new book from Toronto Star reporter Robyn Doolittle.
“He still thinks he’s going to party,” Renata allegedly said, The Star reports.
“He thinks that he, oh, you know, ‘I’ll get off the pills, but I’m not giving up the blow.’”
The discussion is detailed in Doolittle’s book "Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story." It allegedly took place in a Tim Hortons parking lot outside Etobicoke in late 2010 or early 2011, and Doolittle heard the conversation on a recording.
Rob Ford's lawyer, Dennis Morris, told The Star he spoke to Renata on Thursday and that she “denies that she’s said whatever’s alleged.”
Doolittle is one of three journalists who reported seeing the now-infamous video of Ford smoking crack cocaine. Her book also claims the man, identified only as "John," advised Renata about “methadone, withdrawal symptoms and clinics that will be discreet.”
Renata typically keeps a low profile, but has made headlines in the past.
In 2008, when Ford was a city councillor, he was charged with assault and uttering a death threat to his wife. Those charges were later dropped.
On Christmas morning in 2011, Ford’s mother-in-law called police to his home, saying Ford had been drinking and was taking his children to Florida against Renata’s wishes. No charges were laid.
Most recently, Renata stood by Ford’s side at a press conference in November during which he apologized for making a crude remark about oral sex.
This latest report comes after another tumultuous week for Mayor Ford. On Wednesday, his sister’s ex filed a statement of claim alleging he was behind a jailhouse beating.
The mayor was also ticketed for jaywalking in B.C. on Friday night.
