cover-up? Doesn't seem to me like this is providing any cover for anything. It is inviting the kind of detailed examination that can only come about from a full press-fueled "sex scandal." And yes, am sure lots of folks would like to cover up lots of things.
Diversion and distraction.
I fail to grasp the "non-sordid" of it. Can you give a hint why it would not be sordid?