Dancing with the Stars: Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater Address Dating Speculations

Emma Slater and Mauricio Umansky Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images/Getty Images

Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater, a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, are adamant that they are nothing more than close friends. This comes in response to insinuations made by Umansky's estranged wife, Kyle Richards.

Umansky, 53, made a clear statement in an Instagram Story video on Thursday, October 26, stating, "Just to make things clear, Emma and I are not dating. We have been dancing together for six weeks, dedicating four hours every single day to practice."

Slater, aged 34, expressed that the DWTS process is highly rigorous and emphasized on the development of a profound connection between the celebrity and their professional dance partner.

"We have similar personalities," she remarked. "Our relationship is incredibly supportive. Last week was particularly emotional, and our support for each other was remarkable. We unquestionably stand by each other, and it's truly remarkable. It's something wonderful."

Romance speculations surrounding Umansky and Slater burgeoned following their hand-holding sighting in Beverly Hills on Sunday, October 22, as captured by TMZ.

Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater attended the launch event of Park Elm at Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California on October 05, 2023. In a video, Umansky clarified that after rehearsal, they went to a restaurant to have sushi. It was a week filled with intensity and emotions, and during their dinner, they discussed their experiences. After finishing their meal, Umansky reached out to hold Slater's hand, and they walked to their cars while recapping the events.

Slater interrupted, "And before we knew it, we were in a relationship."

In July, it was confirmed that he and his wife, Richards, 54, had decided to separate after being married for 27 years. The couple released a joint statement during that month, stating that they currently have no intentions of divorcing.

"We have endured a difficult year, undoubtedly the most testing period of our marriage," they expressed. "Nonetheless, our love and profound respect for one another remain unwavering. It is crucial to emphasize that no one is at fault."

After the hand holding images surfaced, Richards decided to remove an Instagram post from September where she had expressed her support for Umansky and Slater's participation in DWTS. The couple has three daughters together - Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15. Additionally, Richards has a daughter named Farrah, 34, from her previous marriage to Guraish Aldjufrie.

Umansky dedicated his dance to Richards and their daughters on Tuesday. However, Richards expressed her disappointment when she saw Umansky and Slater together. During an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Wednesday, October 25, Richards admitted that she felt hurt by the images. She also added that although she still loves Umansky a lot, they maintain an amicable relationship.

The star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills expressed her surprise and emotional disappointment upon seeing the hand holding photos, stating that it hurt her feelings. She also emphasized her belief that such intimate gestures should not be shared with another person.