35 year-old Joe Killoran was an instant social media star for doing a job that Canadian media had been skirting off for the last four years, Buzzfeed reported. On Tuesday, the bearded high school teacher from East York, Ontario went out for a jog when he happened upon the East York Canada Day Parade, where controversial mayor Rob Ford was present.
Killoran confronted Ford and demanded the latter to answer questions about his alleged lying, racism, homophobia and corruption. Killoran later called the politician "a corrupt, lying, racist, homophobe."
The mayor's brother, Doug, jumped into the conversation and accused Killoran of being a plant from an opposing campaign.
Killoran then said, "I'm out for jog buddy. Do I look like I'm with a campaign?"
As local reporters were also present in the parade, Killoran's confrontation quickly became a viral hit, with fans showing their admiration for the high school teacher's bravery to confront a politician.
Last year, Ford gained international attention when he was allegedly caught on video smoking what appeared to be crack cocaine, the Toronto Sun reported. Ford has flip-flopped on the substance abuse claims, but later admitted when an unrelated Toronto Police Service investigation led to the discovery of video evidence. Ford refused to resign from his post and vowed to continue with his reelection bid, Buzzfeed said.
In the wake of the scandal, the city of Toronto were in a dilemma about Ford, since the current law does not allow his removal from public office. CBC.ca said the Toronto City Council then decided to strip some of his executive powers as mayor, and granted those instead Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly for the remainder of Ford's term.
On Monday, Ford had returned to his mayoral post. The parade is one of his mayoral obligations. IN an interview with CBC Toronto's Dwight Drummond on Wednesday, Ford again gave conflicting answers to the crack cocaine video.
"You name it, I pretty well covered it... I'm taking it one day at a time. I did not drink yesterday, I haven't drunk today," Ford said.
