On June 17, Netflix released its latest documentary, Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem, a singular episode that chronicles the wild political career of Rob Ford, former Toronto mayor, brother to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and a central figure in one of Canada’s most infamous political scandals.
The 45-minute episode is part of Netflix’s Trainwreck docuseries, which revisits real-life stories that gripped global headlines. The series launched in 2022 with a closer look at the disastrous Woodstock ’99 music festival and has since explored other significant events, including the Astroworld tragedy.
This latest installment explores Rob Ford’s time as mayor, charting his controversial career, from crack cocaine allegations to a string of chaotic media moments that made international news.
The documentary opens with the context of the 2009 Toronto garbage strike, which left thousands of trash piles across the city. The public criticism of then-mayor David Miller helped lay the groundwork for Ford’s successful 2010 campaign, fueled by his “man of the people” image.
Using a mix of archival footage, journalist perspectives and interviews with some of the people who knew him best — including his former driver and security aide Jerry Agyemang — the documentary traces Ford’s chaotic four years in office. It explores his rise to power, his turbulent relationship with the media, comparisons to U.S. President Donald Trump, and his 2014 cancer diagnosis.
His brother, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has described the episode as “disgusting,” per Global News, and made it clear that he would not be watching the Netflix show about his late brother.
“Poor Rob’s been dead for nine years, and they just want to keep going after him,” he said. “It’s just disgusting. Leave the guy alone, let him rest in peace, let his family rest in peace.”
From the outset, Ford is portrayed as a controversial figure who was both idolised and criticised. That persona gave rise to some shocking and downright ridiculous quotes that defined his time in office. And be warned, there’s language related to drug use and comments of a sexual nature.
If you haven’t tuned in yet, here are seven of Rob Ford’s most shocking quotes from his time as Toronto Mayor, as seen in Netflix’s Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem.
This article contains graphic content that might not be suitable for some readers.
“If you’re not doing needles and you aren’t gay, you won’t get AIDS, probably.”
In the documentary, Rob Ford is portrayed as a divisive figure with a habit of saying things that were far from politically correct.
That image is quickly reinforced at this moment, as John Filion — a Progressive city councillor at the time — recalls how no one on the council wanted to sit beside Ford.
The comment, made during Ford’s time as a councillor, sets the tone for his headline-making political career.
“Don’t worry buddy, there’s no video.”
It doesn’t take long for the documentary to dive into the infamous crack cocaine video scandal.
The story unfolds as a Toronto Star reporter is shown the footage by a source demanding $100,000 for the tape.
Although the Star refuses to pay, reports of the video — even without the footage being released — quickly dominate headlines across the country.
Mark Towhey, Ford’s then-chief of staff, recalls making a tense phone call to the mayor: “Rob, they say they have a video of you smoking crack cocaine.”
Ford’s response? “Don’t worry, buddy, there’s no video.”
“That was not the answer I wanted to hear,” Towhey says.
“I do not use crack cocaine.”
It’s not the kind of sentence you typically hear from a sitting city mayor — but Rob Ford said it anyway.
In response to widespread reports about the now-infamous video, Ford addressed the media with this firm denial, insisting the footage “does not exist.”
“Release the video now.”
After it was revealed that Toronto Police had obtained a copy of the video — recovered from a computer seized during the Project Traveller raids — Ford continued to deny any knowledge of it, claiming he couldn’t recall what happened.
As the scandal exploded into international headlines, Ford publicly called on police to release the video, apparently still believing it didn’t exist.
But in the documentary, the footage is shown.
Shortly afterwards, Ford is seen finally admitting to having “tried” crack cocaine, though he maintained he was not addicted to any substances.
“I’ve got more than enough to eat at home.”
As the documentary tracks the unravelling of Ford’s political career, additional videos surface showing him appearing to smoke crack cocaine, behaving erratically, and appearing intoxicated. During this time, he is also accused of demeaning staff member Olivia Gondek.
Responding to the allegation live on air, Ford says, “Olivia Gondek says I wanted to eat her p*ssy. I’ve never said that. I’m happily married. I’ve got more than enough to eat at home.”
“You’re the scumbag, you little punk.”
In November 2014, Toronto City Council convened to debate Rob Ford’s position as mayor. According to Jerry Agyemang, Ford was met with chants of “shame,” offensive gestures, and verbal attacks from the public gallery.
During the heated session, Doug Ford is seen confronting one of the hecklers, shouting, “You’re the scumbag. You’re the scumbag, you little punk.”
Moments later, Rob Ford is captured on video nearly knocking over Councillor Pam McConnell during a commotion in the chamber. McConnell later described feeling “shaken” by the incident.
“Give it to me, I’ll go and deliver it for you.”
Towards the end of the episode, the focus shifts to Rob Ford’s cancer diagnosis, his death, and the legacy he left behind. Doug Ford is shown delivering a eulogy at his brother’s funeral, sharing personal memories and stories that highlight Rob’s unique approach to public life.
In one anecdote, Doug recalls how Rob once stopped by Mr Sub to pick up a sandwich and learned the owner couldn’t fulfil a delivery because he had no available staff. Without hesitation, Ford offered to deliver the order himself.
Jerry Agyemang explained, “Imagine you order some subs, and then ‘knock’ — it’s the mayor of Toronto delivering your lunch.”
Doug adds that Rob was thrilled when the customer gave him a $3 tip.
The documentary ends with interviewees reflecting on Ford’s legacy. The responses are mixed — ranging from “dishonest” and “unpredictable” to “smart,” “selfless,” and “outspoken.”
No matter where one lands on Rob Ford’s place in political history, it’s clear that some of his most memorable quotes won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
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This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
