WATCH: Ontario Premier Doug Ford swallows a bee during news conference

Emily Jacobs

August 14, 01:24 AM August 14, 03:32 AM

Social media was abuzz in Canada over the weekend after a bee flew into the mouth of Ontario Premier Doug Ford as he held a news conference.

Ford, brother of the late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, was speaking to reporters Friday in Dundalk, Ont., at a briefing about privatizing health care when the incident occurred. The bee could be seen flying around the premier's face before disappearing from view. The development caused Ford to suddenly step back from the lectern and reach into his mouth to try and get the bug out, all while coughing and gagging repeatedly.

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“Holy Christ, I just swallowed a bee!” the 57-year-old exclaimed before drinking from a bottle of water.

The Ontario premier remained in good spirits afterward, joking about how the incident was a "classic" moment that was sure to go viral online.

“This is going to be played over and over again,” Ford remarked as reporters struggled to contain their laughter, later adding that he would be "howling" while watching the incident on television later that day.

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After being asked if he was alright and able to continue, the center right politician replied: "I'm okay" before noting that the bee was "buzzing in there," referencing his stomach.

"Man, he went right down the hatch," he said, laughing.