The Hidden Struggles of a High-Profile Separation
Initial Refusal to Discuss Divorce
During an appearance on the Dec. 17 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Kyle Richards, the 55-year-old star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was asked about her ongoing separation from Mauricio Umansky, who is 54 years old and the founder of The Agency. When asked if they had discussed making their split official, Richards responded with a firm "That’s not something that we have talked about yet." She went on to mention Sutton Stracke's advice to file but emphasized that it was something she would need to discuss with Umansky first. This initial hesitation to bring up the topic of divorce shows the complexity of their situation and the importance they place on communicating with each other.It's clear that they are still in a stage where they are trying to figure out how to handle this major life change. Despite the separation, they remain good friends and get along well, as Richards added. "We’re good friends and we get along really well and I don’t know, we just live separate lives." This shows that their relationship is not completely severed and that there is still a connection between them.
The Approach When the Time Comes
When asked about what will happen when the time finally comes to discuss going their separate ways, Richards was clear. "Obviously, we will discuss it," she said. Host Andy Cohen noted that they were probably "not that psyched" to bring up divorce, to which Richards replied, "Of course not." She continued to explain that it is a difficult topic and neither of them is comfortable initiating it. "It’s hard and it’s not something either one of us obviously feel comfortable initiating. We just kind of let it go and [we’re] just really good friends and we care about each other and we get along … it is what it is right now."This shows a level of respect and understanding between them. They are taking their time to navigate this difficult situation and are not rushing into anything. Instead, they are focusing on maintaining their friendship and co-parenting their family.
The Separation and Its Aftermath
In July 2023, a source close to the couple told PEOPLE that Richards and Umansky had separated. Although they still lived together during the split, Umansky has since moved out to a place in West Hollywood. Richards confirmed this on a May 14 episode of the Bitch Bible podcast, saying, "I always knew when that day came it would feel strange. Very real all of a sudden. And that’s exactly what happened. I’m used to having a lot of chaos and stuff going around at my house. The day that he moved out was just strange because I came home and I was like, ‘everything’s so quiet.’"This moment of transition has been a significant one for both of them. It marks a new chapter in their lives and they are both having to adjust to the changes. But despite the challenges, they are working on how to establish their individual lives while remaining connected as a family.
The Current Status and Future Plans
One year after their separation, a source told PEOPLE that the pair is currently "working on how to establish their individual lives while remaining connected as a family." The insider continued, "After being in a routine for decades, they have had a lot to figure out while navigating their new normal. Going through a separation has been challenging enough that no one is rushing to get a divorce."This shows that they are taking a measured approach to their separation. They are focused on building their own lives but also maintaining the bond they have as a family. It will be interesting to see how they continue to navigate this situation in the coming months and years.