HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Tipper Gore doesn't believe the sexual assault allegations that a Portland masseuse made about her husband, former Vice President Al Gore, whom she recently split with after 40 years of marriage.
"Tipper has known about these allegations since Al found out about them himself," a friend of the former Second Lady tells People. "She has known that massage has been very much a part of his health regimen for many, many, many years. She doesn't believe any of the allegations that this woman is making and they played no role whatsoever in their decision to separate."
"She so wants a private life," the friend adds. "But she feels strongly that people know she doesn't believe anything this woman is saying. She remains committed to Al and his reputation."
On June 30, the Portland Police Department re-opened an investigation into massage therapist Molly Hagerty's claim that Gore demanded sexual favors during a 2006 massage session at the upscale Hotel Lucia. He has also seen his named linked to affairs with a Tennessee Titans cheerleader and a Hollywood producer.
"None of these is true," a friend of the Gores tells the mag. "Both Al and Tipper are baffled by the allegations across the board, frustrated to see his name dragged through the mud."
Those closest to the couple insist they remain tight, pointing out a weeklong family vacation that took place just two weeks after they went public with their split on June 1.
"They were on a lake in Tennessee, with all the kids and grandkids. Doing lake stuff – waterskiing, cooking out," says a family friend. "They continue to be a tight family. That's not going to change."
- Comment
