TORONTO (AP) — A group of shirtless protesters crashed a news conference by Rob Ford, shouting for Toronto’s embattled mayor to resign.

Ford was speaking Tuesday about his opposition to a transit project but was nearly drowned out by a small but vocal group of demonstrators. Ford returned to office last week after two months in rehab.

The group was inspired by a shirtless jogger whose rant at Ford during a Canada Day event on July 1 sparked a social media frenzy.

Ford says he wasn’t bothered by the demonstrators. At one point he stopped his speech to chuckle, saying “they can protest all they want.”

Ford’s mayoral reign has been marred by revelations about his substance abuse and erratic behavior. Toronto’s City Council stripped Ford of most of his powers last year.

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