Tipper Gore, ex-wife of former Vice President Al Gore, doesn't believe there is any truth to the allegations by Portland masseuse Molly Hagerty that Al Gore made "unwanted sexual contact" with her, a "close friend of the Gores" recently told PEOPLE magazine.
The friend also claimed that Tipper had known about the case -- which was recently reopened -- since it first came to light, but that it had nothing to do with the Gores recent separation.
"Tipper has known about these allegations since Al found out about them himself," the friend told 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 [Hagerty] is making and they played no role whatsoever in their decision to separate."
According to the friend, Tipper "feels strongly that people know she doesn't believe anything this woman is saying. She remains committed to Al and his reputation."
As evidence of the continued proximity between the former couple, the friend relayed a recent Gore getaway:
"They were on a lake in Tennessee, with all the kids and grandkids. Doing lake stuff - waterskiing, cooking out," the friend told PEOPLE. "They continue to be a tight family. That's not going to change."
The friend also said that accusations of Al Gore's infidelity aren't new to the couple, stating that other have in the past claimed that "Al had an affair with a Tennessee Titans cheerleader one week, a Hollywood producer the next."