Kyle Richards recently opened up about her dating life after her estranged husband, Mauricio, 55, was caught sharing a hug with CJ Frank, 34.
Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky, who were once the subject of a golden Hollywood love story, have now become one of the most closely watched separations on reality TV. After 27 years of marriage, the couple, who were each other's strength for years, have now ventured down different paths. However, it has not stopped them from quietly dating, going viral for their PDA moments, and debating their shifting priorities post-separation. As The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills try to rediscover themselves in unexpected ways, viewers are wondering what the future holds for them.
During a preview clip of their show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Mauricio bluntly asked Kyle whether she had been seeing other people, referring to his paparazzi pictures that had gone viral. In turn, Kyle does not answer him directly at the moment, but later confirms the same. She reveals she has dated since they parted ways, but unlike him, she has kept it quiet. In her words:
"I'm being private and discreet. I don't feel the need to parade around showing it off to everyone."
Kylie explained that, unlike Mauricio, she does not wish to make her dating life public. Neither does she want her children to see her pictures dating other men on the internet. In turn, she digs into Mauricio and his viral paparazzi photos with CJ Frank. Earlier this year, she had shared that she had opened up her mind in all directions, but did not name anyone.
While Kyle has kept her dating life out of the public eye, Mauricio's recent meeting with FBoy Island star Celisa "CJ" Franco, has stirred a social media frenzy. The new development comes especially after her photos of them hugging and embracing each other on the street in the middle of the night went viral between their Thanksgiving dinner. Recalling the moment, Mauricio told Page Six:
"That [story] was released during Thanksgiving dinner, which kinda sucked. So we're all having Thanksgiving dinner, and Sophia's like, 'Dad, what the f–k is this?' I'm like, 'What are you talking about?'"
Later, Mauricio, 55, clarified to the media and his family that CJ, 34, is simply one of his friends, and the photos were more cosy than the reality of the moment. He added that the paparazzi were likely hiding in the bushes as he went with her for an Uber ride. Despite the viral photos, Mauricio maintained that he is not thinking about dating anyone. Instead, he is taking one day at a time, focusing on work and his family. At the same time, he maintained that Kyle remains his best friend. He said:
"We're still in the fam chat… anybody I date has to accept that."
Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky were once regarded as one of reality TV's strongest marriages. They met in 1994 and got married in January 1996. Soon after, they welcomed three daughters together, Alexia, Sophia, and Portia. On the other hand, Kyle's eldest, Farrah, became part of their blended family. Their relationship became a central pillar of RHOBH when the show launched in 2010. Moreover, the pair is frequently described as "rock solid."
However, the situation began to change in early 2023 when fans noticed Kyle was no longer wearing her wedding ring. After months of speculation, the couple confirmed in July 2023 that they had parted ways and were not going for a legal divorce. The duo admitted that they had a rough year but denied rumours of any infidelity or wrongdoing. Following the estrangement, Mauricio moved into his home. Yet, the couple continues to celebrate holidays together. They support their children and show up like a family.
Since both Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky have chosen to move ahead in their dating life while staying legally married. It will be important to see how they continue to deal with the complexity of their relationships.
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