Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday, for one, stood behind Ford on Friday -- and lashed out at the news reports.

CNN: SHARE THIS

"Whether you can blame the mayor or not blame the mayor depends on whether the story is true, " Holyday said.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Holyday, the mayor's closest political ally, said he had not heard from the mayor Friday and didn't know where he was.

CNN: SHARE THIS

By Friday morning, reporters swarmed Toronto's City Hall hoping to interview the mayor, but instead interviewed deputy mayor Doug Holyday about the allegations.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Holyday said he still has confidence in Ford, but said that he is willing to step up and replace the mayor if that becomes necessary.

CNN: SHARE THIS

"I think it's disgusting, " Holyday said.

CNN: SHARE THIS