TORONTO — Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is being sued by his sister’s ex-boyfriend for allegedly conspiring to have the man beaten in jail.

A lawsuit submitted by Scott MacIntyre alleges the mayor was behind an assault at a Toronto jail in March 2012 that was intended to keep MacIntrye quiet about Ford’s abuse of alcohol and drugs.

The lawsuit alleges MacIntrye knew about Ford’s alcohol and drug use and claims he was threatened with “dire consequences” if he did not remain quiet.

Ford’s lawyer, Dennis Morris, said Wednesday the allegations are “without fact or foundation.”

Ford offered no comment when reporters asked him about the lawsuit.

The mayor acknowledged last year that he had smoked crack, but he has rebuffed pressure to resign.