DWTS’ Emma Slater Shares Heartfelt Bond with Former Partner Mauricio Umansky

DWTS' Emma Slater Hopes Former Partner Mauricio Umansky Will ‘Be in My Life Forever’

Emma Slater and Mauricio Umansky. Getty Images (2)

Dancing With the Stars pro Emma Slater believes that her former partner Mauricio Umansky will always be there to support her.

"I truly feel like Mauricio will be a part of my life forever," Slater, 35, shared exclusively with We on Friday, May 10, at the Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza. "We have a strong connection. We went through tough times together and supported each other. It was a challenging season for both of us, but we are grateful to have had each other."

Slater and Umansky were paired up for season 32 of the ballroom dancing competition. At the time, he had recently separated from his wife Kyle Richards. Slater, on the other hand, was previously married to fellow DWTS pro Sasha Farber and had filed for divorce in February 2023. (Rehearsals for DWTS season 32 began the following summer, but it's unclear if her challenging journey was connected to the divorce.)

Speaking to Us on Friday, Slater shared, "You really bond with your partners during the season. He's such an incredible person. Our friendship means a lot, and I was grateful that he could attend the [DWTS] tour and show his support."

Slater and other professional dancers went on a tour across the United States after season 32. Umansky attended a live show in March.

Slater expressed her joy when Mauricio came to watch the Dancing With the Stars tour.

Fans started speculating about Slater and Umansky's relationship when they noticed their strong on-stage chemistry. Despite being seen holding hands during rehearsals, the two friends made it clear that they were not dating.

DWTS' Emma Slater Hopes Former Partner Mauricio Umansky Will ‘Be in My Life Forever’

Umansky clarified in an Instagram Story video from October 2023 that he and ABC/Andrew Eccles are not dating. He mentioned that they have been dancing together for six weeks, practicing four hours a day, every single day.

Slater mentioned that she and Umansky have similar personalities and are very supportive of each other.

Umansky appeared on DWTS but was eliminated on the October 31, 2023 episode. He used the show to help deal with his recent breakup. In July 2023, it was confirmed that he and Richards had separated before denying any third-party involvement.

Umansky and Richards, who share three daughters, have yet to file for divorce but the Buying Beverly Hills star recently moved out.

DWTS' Emma Slater Hopes Former Partner Mauricio Umansky Will ‘Be in My Life Forever’

Kyle and Mauricio have been living apart for the past few months, with Kyle staying in a new condo. A source shared with Us earlier this month that they have both been traveling a lot, which has led to them not staying together under one roof.

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Shortly after Us broke the news of Umansky’s new pad, Richards officially removed his last name from her social media bios.

With reporting by Mike Vulpo

Editor's P/S:

Emma Slater and Mauricio Umansky's bond transcends their time on Dancing With the Stars. Despite not being romantically involved, they maintain a deep connection forged through shared experiences and mutual support. Slater acknowledges Umansky's unwavering presence in her life, recognizing the value of their friendship. Their support for each other during challenging times highlights the genuine nature of their bond.

The article also sheds light on Umansky's personal journey, as he utilized his participation in DWTS to cope with his recent separation from Kyle Richards. Umansky's commitment to the show reflects his resilience and determination to navigate a difficult time in his life. The separation and subsequent living arrangements between Umansky and Richards suggest a potential shift in their relationship, leaving the future of their marriage uncertain.