Deputy Mayor Urges Toronto Mayor to Respond to Crack Accusations

Ford staying quiet about alleged video

A close ally of Toronto mayor Rob Ford said Wednesday that Ford has followed legal advice in remaining silent about a purported video that appears to show him smoking crack cocaine.

Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday said he's been told by Ford and his aides that lawyers have advised the mayor that saying less is better. Holyday said he doesn't know why that advice has been given.

He is urging Ford to address the video. The mayor of Canada's largest city has continued to duck questions. He avoided a throng of reporters on Tuesday in his first public appearances following a long holiday weekend in Canada.

"The mayor has to come out and speak to the media. I don't know when that is going to take place, but I believe it has to happen," Holyday said. "He has to clearly state his position on the whole thing. Until he does that it won't go away."