Trouble in Paradise? Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky's Relationship Strained After Controversial Hand-Holding Incident with Emma Slater
Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky's relationship strained after his controversial hand-holding incident with 'DWTS' pro, Emma Slater Tensions rise as the couple faces difficulties in their marriage
Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky's amicable separation has taken a bitter turn when Umansky was spotted holding hands with his Dancing With the Stars partner, Emma Slater. Despite denying dating rumors, Umansky, 53, and Slater, 34, share a conspicuously flirtatious dynamic, according to an exclusive source interviewed in the latest edition of We magazine.
Umansky and Richards, both 54, are reportedly experiencing difficulties in their relationship following the Slater controversy. One insider suggests that Umansky's tendency to look elsewhere may have played a significant role in the separation between the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars. In July, it was confirmed that Richards and Umansky had decided to separate after being married for 27 years. The couple, who got married in 1996, have three daughters together: Alexia (27), Sophia (23), and Portia (15). Additionally, Umansky is also the stepfather of Richards' daughter Farrah (34) from her previous marriage to Guraish Aldjufrie.
Richards and Umansky released a joint statement in July addressing their separation. They acknowledged that they had encountered a challenging year but clarified that they currently had no intentions of divorcing.
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"We have an immense mutual love and respect," they conveyed in an Instagram message. "No one has acted improperly."
Nevertheless, the relationship dynamics between Richards and Umansky began to change at the beginning of this month when photographs depicting him holding hands with Slater became public on October 22.
"I'm unsure if anything has occurred so far, but it's evident that there's an underlying matter," Richards expressed during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen a few days later in response to the images. "Let me clarify, I have a deep affection for him, and we maintain a friendly relationship. However, that action genuinely caused me pain."
She further added, "In my opinion, holding hands in that manner is not appropriate behavior."
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After Richards’ WWHL comments went viral, Umansky and Slater addressed the dating rumors head on.
"We want to clarify that we are not involved romantically," Umansky stated in their October 26 Instagram Story video, with Slater by their side. "For the past six weeks, we have been diligently practicing our dance routines, dedicating four hours every single day."
Slater elaborated on the profound connection that develops between the celebrity and their professional partner due to the demanding nature of the DWTS journey.
"We have similar personalities," she stated, emphasizing their strong bond. "Our relationship is incredibly supportive, especially during last week which was very intense and emotional. We always stand by each other, and it's truly beautiful. It's something truly amazing."
“We were discussing the week over dinner, and as we finished, we began summarizing the conversation. At that moment, I instinctively reached out for Emma’s hand, and she reciprocated, allowing us to stroll towards the cars while continuing our recap,” he recounted. Slater interjected, “And just like that, we found ourselves in a relationship.”
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For more on Richards and Umansky’s separation, watch the video above and pick up the new issue of We, on stands Wednesday, November 1.
