Tipper Gore Defends Al, Decries Allegations

Tough month for Al Gore. First, he announced a split from wife Tipper after 40 years, then was accused of sexual assault, then Prince declared the Internet "over."

Fortunately, the former V.P.'s wife still has his back regarding the sex scandal.

Tipper says the couple's separations nothing to do with the sexual assault allegations made against him by Molly Hagerty, nor does she buy the masseuse's story.

Tabloids have suggested that Hagerty's claim that Al Gore forced himself on her during a massage in a Portland hotel was the last straw in their unraveling union.

Not so, Tipper Gore and family friends say.

"And they also say Al had an affair with a Tennessee Titans cheerleader one week, a Hollywood producer the next," says a friend close to both Al and Tipper Gore.

Adds the friend, "None of these is true. Both Al and Tipper are baffled by the sexual assault allegations, frustrated to see his name dragged through the mud."

Al and Tipper Gore have split, but not because of any massage gone awry.

Another friend of Tipper's says that "Tipper has known about these allegations since Al found out about them himself. She has known that massage has been very much a part of his health regimen for many, many, many years."

Furthermore, "she doesn't believe any of the allegations that this woman [Hagerty] is making and they played no role whatsoever in their decision to separate."

The friend says Tipper Gore is unnerved to find herself back in the glare just after the couple's June 1 announcement of their separation was supposed to afford her a life outside of the spotlight that comes with her husband's public policy work.

It could get worse before it gets better.

On June 30, police reopened an investigation into the allegations, citing "procedural issues" with how the statement by Al Gore's accuser was handled last year. Gore has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.

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