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Mayor threatens legal action, and says so much more, in morning press scrum

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford stands with his wife Renata at a news conference at city hall in Toronto on Thursday November 14, 2013. Ford has apologized for making crude comments in responding to allegations contained in court documents.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford struck back in loud and unequivocal fashion against allegations against him on Thursday morning, claiming he will launch legal action against former staff members alleged illegal and immoral behaviour during police interviews.

The announcement came in a stunning morning press conference, during which Ford denied allegations from a police document, including a claim that he had once offered to perform cunnilingus on a former female staffer.

"It says I wanted to eat her p*ssy and I have never said that in my life to her. I would never do that. I'm happily married. I've got more than enough to eat at home," Ford declared.

But the main course in Ford's morning statement was the announcement that he would launch legal action against three former staff members who made various statements about Ford's behaviour during interviews with police in a drug investigation.

Those allegations including claims Ford abused drugs, drank alcohol while driving and bring a woman believed to be a prostitute back to city hall.

"I've never had a prostitute here," Ford said. "I am very happily married at home. This is very disturbing."

Ford vowed to sue former staffers Isaac Ransom George Christopolous and Mark Towhey, as well as a Bier Markt employee who told police saw what he believed was Ford using cocaine in one of the restaurant's private rooms.

The statements come after city council formally urged Ford to temporarily step down and seek treatment. After today's episode, they could end up asking for much more.