Troubled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has apologised for obscene comments he made on live TV while denying he had offered oral sex to a female staff member.
The Canadian politician used what he called "unforgivable language", in remarks to reporters.
He also threatened to take legal action against former employees who made claims about his drinking and drug use.
It is the latest scandal to engulf 44-year-old Mr Ford, who last week admitted smoking crack cocaine.
Police documents released on Wednesday quoted Ford associates as saying that the mayor had driven drunk, used racially abusive language, threatened staff, consorted with a woman suspected of being a prostitute and made a sexual proposition to a female staff member.
'Particularly disappointing'
On Thursday morning, he told reporters the allegations were "outright lies", although he conceded he might have driven after taking alcohol.
However, reporters were left gasping by his profane outburst as he denied having once offered oral sex to a former female employee.
The father of two young children said that he was "happily married" and crudely commented that he enjoyed enough oral sex at home.
Later on Thursday, Mr Ford was flanked by his wife, Renata, as he expressed regret for the "graphic" language, the latest in a string of apologies.
He said his integrity as a father and husband had been attacked, prompting him to "see red".
"I acted on complete impulse in my remarks," he said.
Mr Ford also announced he was getting help from healthcare professionals.
The erratic mayor was wearing a Toronto Argonauts jersey when he made the sexually charged comments.
The Canadian Football League team said in a statement: "These latest remarks, while wearing our team's jersey, are particularly disappointing."
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