Emma Slater has shed more light on her relationship with Mauricio Umansky.
Months after announcing his separation from Kyle Richards, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills husband teamed up with Emma for the 32nd season of Dancing with the Stars. The former dance partners were axed from the competition in Week 6; however, Emma insisted that didn't mark the end of their tight bond and friendship.
Emma Slater says Mauricio Umansky helped her through "difficult times"
“I really think that Mauricio is someone who’s going to be in my life forever,” the professional dancer told Us Weekly. “We really do click. We sort of went through difficult times at the same time together and were each other’s confidants. It was a really nice season. Difficult for both of us, but we’re really, really grateful that we had each other.”
Emma didn’t specify what made the season so “difficult,” but it’s safe to assume she was referring to her and Mauricio’s respective marital splits. Back in February 2023, Emma confirmed she had filed for divorce from Sasha Farber, a fellow pro dancer she married in 2018.
“You get really close to your partners on the season,” Emma continued. “He’s such an amazing person. We have such a good friendship that it meant a lot that he was able to come to the [DWTS] tour and support, as well.”
Kyle Richards reacts to Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater dating rumors
Kyle Richards at the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 13 reunion; Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater attend Park Elm at Century Plaza launch event on October 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo: Bravo; Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
Shortly after they began competing together, Mauricio and Emma were hit with dating rumors. The speculation was fueled by a viral photo that purportedly showed the pair holding hands outside the competition. Kyle addressed the incident during the RHOBH Season 13 reunion, admitting “it did not feel good” to see the snapshot.
“We are separated, we’re allowed to do what we want, each of us,” she said. “It’s weird because we live together in the same house. So it’s sort of like ‘What are you doing?’”
Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater set the record straight on their status
Emma posts a photo of herself and Mauricio on March 24, 2024 to Instagram.
Photo: Emma Slater/Instagram
Mauricio and Emma, however, were quick to shut down those dating rumors.
“We do want to address this story, this whole thing, going out and about whether or not Emma and I are dating — whether we went out on a date,” Mauricio said in an October 26 Instagram Story alongside Emma. “For full clarity, we are not dating… We are really good friends. We’ve been dancing together for six weeks, four hours a day, every single day.”
Emma backed Mauricio’s comments, explaining why they became so close during the competition.
“Guys you don’t understand, it’s intense,” she said. “Like you really form a very very special bond. And I think we’re similar personalities, so we’ve got a super supportive relationship. We’re definitely there for each other. And it’s beautiful, that’s a great thing.”
