Tipper Gore has known about Portland masseuse Molly Hagerty’s claims that Al Gore demanded sexual favors from her during a 2006 massage since her ex husband found out about them himself.

In an exclusive interview with People magazine a friend of Tipper’s said that Tipper “doesn’t believe any of the allegations that this woman [Hagerty] is making and they played no role whatsoever in their decision to separate.”

Added the friend, “Both Al and Tipper are baffled by the allegations across the board, frustrated to see his name dragged through the mud….She so wants a private life. But she feels strongly that people know she doesn’t believe anything this woman is saying. She remains committed to Al and his reputation.”

Further trashing speculation that the Gore’s separation has been contentious, the friend pointed out that Al and Tipper were together on a weeklong family vacation last month, just two weeks after announcing their split.

“They were on a lake in Tennessee, with all the kids and grandkids. Doing lake stuff – waterskiing, cooking out,” says the friend close to the Gores. “They continue to be a tight family. That’s not going to change.”

Read more on Al & Tipper:

1. Al & Tipper Gore Will Not Be Attending Chelsea Clinton’s Wedding!
2. Al Gore Denies Alleged Sexual Assault ‘Unequivocally And Emphatically’
3. Al Gore’s Accuser Comes Forward: ‘Gore Is A Pervert And Sexual Predator!’