The Cryptic Connection Between Mauricio Umansky and DWTS' Emma Slater

Kyle Richards, Mauricio Umansky, and Emma Slater Getty Images (3)

Kyle Richards expressed feeling hurt and taken aback upon seeing photos of her estranged husband, Mauricio Umansky, holding hands with his Dancing With the Stars partner, Emma Slater. During an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on October 25, Richards, aged 54, openly admitted the emotional impact it had on her.

Umansky, aged 53, was captured in a photograph holding hands with Slater, aged 34, during their dinner outing in Beverly Hills on Sunday, October 22. This incident occurred just a few days prior to him dedicating their DWTS performance to Richards on Tuesday, October 24. Richards expressed her opinion on WWHL, stating, "I simply believe that holding hands in such a manner signifies more than just friendship." Mellencamp, a close friend of Richards and also a guest on the show, further commented, "You are aware that photographers will trail your every move when you are out in Beverly Hills."

After the hand holding photos went viral, Richards decided to remove an Instagram post she made in September, which had expressed her support for Umansky's participation in DWTS. During her conversation with host Andy Cohen on Wednesday, Richards admitted that she had still cast her vote to keep Umansky and Slater in the competition after the live show on Tuesday, despite feeling upset about the revelation.

Kyle Richards addressed her relationship with a sense of uncertainty on WWHL, expressing her love for the person in question and their amicable bond. The situation had clearly caused her pain.

In July, it was confirmed that Richards and Umansky, aged 53, had parted ways after 27 years of marriage. The couple, who got married in 1996, publicly acknowledged in a joint statement on social media during that month that they were facing difficulties but clarified that divorce was not on the table. On Wednesday, Richards confirmed that the separation had been initiated by her. Despite their marital struggles, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star disclosed that she and Umansky continue to reside together.

“I let him stay in the primary bedroom,” she told Cohen, 55, revealing that she stays upstairs.

Richards expressed her frustration with the public scrutiny surrounding her separation from Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater. She expressed that it deeply bothers her when people accuse them of fabricating the situation solely for the purpose of boosting ratings.

Richards expressed disbelief and frustration, questioning what kind of person would subject their own children and families to such actions. She shares three daughters, namely Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15, with Umansky. Additionally, she has a daughter named Farrah, 34, from her previous marriage to Guraish Aldjufrie.

Richards stated on Wednesday that when the news initially broke, it was extremely distressing for the children. However, they have since improved significantly and have displayed remarkable resilience.

Umansky recently provided an update on their present circumstances.

"We are currently navigating the challenges of our life and marriage with determination, without giving up," he stated exclusively to us at that time. "We are actively putting effort into it. It is undoubtedly a difficult journey, especially with public scrutiny and constant inquiries. The truth is, during such trying times in a relationship, what one truly needs is time."

Despite the rollercoaster nature of their relationship, Umansky still affectionately refers to Richards as his "best friend forever."

"We have spent numerous years together, accumulating a substantial amount of experiences and possessions. Presently, we find ourselves contemplating whether we are destined to spend the remainder of our lives as a couple or not. This ongoing phase of transition is the main challenge that we are currently facing."