Key Takeaways:
– Kyle Richards, Mauricio Umansky’s estranged wife struggled to watch his intimate Dance with Emma Slater on DWTS.
– Umansky joined DWTS after confirming his separation from Richards.
– Richards would have never permitted Umansky to join DWTS if they were still together.
– Umansky denies dating anyone and asserts DWTS has been therapeutic for him.
One might assume that drama and tension make their home primarily in the midst of a reality TV set. However, the recent events revolving around the real-life relationships of reality TV stars suggest they might not be too far off from the thrills and tangles of the shows they star in. Kyle Richards, star of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” recently admitted that watching her estranged husband Mauricio Umansky dancing on ABC’s competition show, “Dancing With the Stars,” was a harrowing experience for her.
Umansky’s Steamy Routine on Dancing with the Stars
Umansky joined the 32nd run of the popular dancing competition two months after the duo confirmed their separation. He was paired with professional dancer Emma Slater, noted for mastering the dance routines. During the season, Umansky dedicated a particularly intimate, contemporary dance to Richards, which sparked a chain of reactions, especially from Richards herself.
During the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” season 13 reunion, a fan noted the dance routine’s intimate nature and dedication to Kyle felt like an intentional attempt to provoke her. Co-star Erika Jayne acknowledged the suggestive nature of DWTS before Richards admitted that the routine was tough for her to watch.
Richards Reacts to Umansky & Slater’s Closeness
Adding more fuel to the fire were subsequent photos of Umansky and Slater holding hands last fall after a dinner together in Beverly Hills. Addressing the photos on the RHOBH reunion, Richards called the experience ‘not good’ and somewhat awkward given their living situation. Despite their separation, the estranged couple still live under the same roof.
Richards had previously commented on a photo of Slater and Umansky holding hands during her appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” a talk show on Bravo’s. She expressed her surprise but also noted the uncertainty hovering around the nature of her estranged husband’s relationship with Slater.
Umansky and Slater, however, denied that they were involved romantically.
Umansky Embraces Dancing as a Therapeutic Outlet
During the same reunion, Andy Cohen, the host, expressed surprise over Umansky joining DWTS, tagging it as out of character. Echoing Cohen, Richards revealed that she wouldn’t have permitted Umansky to participate if their relationship was still as it used to be.
Umansky himself admitted to finding the DWTS experience therapeutic amidst the stress caused by his split from Richards. It’s noteworthy that he started participating in DWTS only after confirming his separation from Richards, reflecting his urge to find liberation and joy through this new journey.
Umansky’s Life Post-Separation
Umansky, who also featured on Netflix’s “Buying Beverly Hills,” shared his separation’s ground rules with daughters Farrah, Alexia, and Sophia. While Richards desired space, Umansky has focused on his self-growth. In an interview with E! News, he confirmed he’s not dating anyone as he’s utilizing his time to learn about and enjoy himself. Umansky’s perspective reveals his full scale acceptance of this transition phase, highlighting a positive outlook on self-discovery and stability.
Reality meets reality TV
As reality TV stars navigate the turbulent currents of their real-life relationships, the line between reality and on-screen drama often blurs. The on-going saga of Richards and Umansky provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of celebrity lives away from the spotlight. Whether their off-screen drama will spill onto their television roles remains to be seen, but the unfolding narrative certainly engages their audience.