Key Takeaways:
– Mauricio Umansky denies holding hands with Emma Slater in a paparazzi photo taken during their time on DWTS.
– Umansky clarifies that Slater is a close friend and that they shared an emotional journey on the show.
– The Agency founder admits having lied when the photo emerged, leading to speculation about their relationship.
– Kyle Richards, Umansky’s estranged wife, expressed discomfort with the situation, despite their separation.
– Umansky denied any infidelity in his marriage and commented on rumors of Richards’ alleged affair with singer Morgan Wade.
Article:
Real estate entrepreneur Mauricio Umansky has repeatedly denied an alleged intimate moment with pro dancer Emma Slater from a photograph taken during their stint on “Dancing With The Stars” (DWTS). As reported by [Heavy.com]( https://heavy.com/entertainment/dancing-with-the-stars/mauricio-umansky-emma-slater-hands-dating/), Umansky insists that the duo was not holding hands, contrary to what the photograph suggests.
Umansky’s Controversial Photograph Saga
The photograph in question was taken shortly after Umansky, founder of The Agency, confirmed his separation from “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards. TMZ had published this controversial photograph in October 2023, featuring Umansky and Slater seemingly sharing an intimate moment. However, the 53-year-old DWTS contestant firmly denies these allegations.
Speaking with USA Today, Umansky noted, “If you look at the photos, we’re actually not holding hands, which is quite funny. We danced together for 12 weeks. She’s become a very close friend of mine, and that’s it.”
Revisiting Past Comments
Interestingly, Umansky’s recent comments contradict what he had said when the photograph initially surfaced. Initially, he and Slater denied any romantic involvement via an Instagram story. But according to Page Six, Umansky did admit that he took Slater’s hand as they recapped their day over dinner after rehearsals.
Umansky explained, “When we came out of dinner, we were recapping and I reached out to grab Emma’s hand, and she grabbed my hand, and we…walked to the cars just recapping and summarizing and then the paparazzi caught that moment.”
Kyle Richards Reaction to The Controversial Photograph
The alleged affectionate gesture didn’t sit well with Umansky’s estranged wife, Kyle Richards. Despite knowing that they are separated and can “do what we want,” Richards admitted feeling taken aback by the photograph. Seeing Umansky apparently holding hands with Slater off the dance floor didn’t feel good for Richards and added an odd element to their living arrangement, as they still share the same house.
Denying Rumors of Infidelity
Umansky and Richards’ separation was tainted with rumors of infidelity. Gossips about Richards’ alleged affair with singer Morgan Wade were rife. However, on his Netflix show “Buying Beverly Hills,” Umansky joked about the rumors, reaffirming his disbelief in them.
Refuting claims about marital infidelity, Umansky told USA Today, “There was no infidelity in the marriage. Everybody knows she’s a jealous person. Neither of us did anything that makes us hate each other.”
His focus is currently navigating through his separation and future dating life, as he said, “I have not been running around dating. I am not interested in being a playboy. One of these days I’m going to start dating, I can tell you that for sure.”
To sum up, even months after the end of DWTS season 32, Umansky is still clarifying his relationship status with Slater, proving that dance partnerships can sometimes lead to complex interpersonal dynamics off the dance floor.