Rob Ford apologizes for actions of supporters at Ford Fest

Ford Nation and LGBT activists clash at semi-regular barbecue


A group of LGBT activists clashed with Rob Ford supporters at Ford Fest, Rob Ford’s semi-regular public barbecue, on July 25. Poe Liberado, one of the activists, said that the group decided to attend to hold Ford accountable for his alleged homophobia. “His buffoonery is dangerous,” Liberado said, pointing out that Ford was recently the sole vote against a report recommending that the City of Toronto investigate more supports for homeless LGBT youth.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has apologized for the actions of his supporters against LGBT protesters at Ford Fest on July 25.

A group of activists raised the ire of a small portion of the thousands who attended the barbecue. Several Ford supporters yelled for them to go home, and the situation escalated when the activists’ signs were taken from them and ripped apart to cheers from the crowd.

“I didn’t personally see it. I was in the tent, but it’s terrible that things like that happen. I apologize, and we have to move on,” he told CP24 at the Taste of Toronto festival on July 26.

His brother, Councillor Doug Ford, also apologized to Don Whittemore on CBC at Ford Fest Friday night. A Ford supporter allegedly assaulted Whittemore, who attended the event with a pink umbrella and a rainbow flag as a cape.

Mayor Ford has yet to respond to Xtra’s request for comment on this story.

HG Watson is Xtra's former Toronto news reporter.

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