Doug Ford says mayor’s appearance on Kimmel show was positive for Toronto

Mayor Rob Ford’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live was a good thing for the city, his brother Coun. Doug Ford said on Tuesday morning.

In an interview with Maurie Sherman on Rogers’ radio station KiSS 92.5, the councillor said there is a tangible benefit to the mayor’s celebrity status.

“I don’t think it was a negative on Toronto whatsoever. They like spinning it that way,” Coun. Ford said.

“Every single year we’ve broken the tourism record. From the first year we got in we broke a record at nine million hotel rooms, next year 9.2 million, the third year 9.4 million, so I’ll guarantee you we’re gonna continue breaking tourism records, we’re going to continue bringing new businesses into the city.”

Coun. Ford dismissed claims that his brother needs rehab, and said the mayor’s red tie — which was mocked by Kimmel — was in fact chosen by the show’s stylist backstage.

Listen to the clips from the interview:

On the late-night talk show Monday night, Kimmel prodded the mayor to seek help for his excessive drinking.

“If you are an alcoholic, if you’re drinking enough that you tried crack in your 40s and you don’t remember it, maybe that’s something you might want to think about, like talking to someone about it,” Kimmel said.

A little later, Kimmel had Ford stand and watch a series of his most notorious, and embarrassing, moments caught on tape. They included Ford’s infamous Steak Queen rant and the video where a clearly agitated Ford threatens someone.

With files from Michael Talbot, CityNews.ca.