Kyle Richards is opening up about her separation from Mauricio Umansky, and the factors she believes contributed to the end of their marriage.
During the “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” season 15 reunion, the Bravo star reflected on the challenges that came with fame, financial success, and living life in the public eye. More than two years after announcing their separation, Richards and Umansky remain legally married, and she shared new insight into why neither has filed for divorce.
Kyle Richards Says Leaving Los Angeles Could Have Saved Her Marriage
While discussing the breakdown of her marriage, Richards explained that she believes a simpler life away from Los Angeles might have changed the outcome.
“We’re asked all the time how this happened, and I really do believe that, you know, money and fame and traveling—” Richards began before pausing.
She then reflected on conversations she had with Umansky earlier in their relationship.
“I used to say, ‘Listen, if you don’t make money, it’s totally fine. I don’t need you to have money. But I don’t want to live in L.A. and not have any money, because that’s not fun.'”
Richards went on to describe a hypothetical future she thinks may have kept their family together.
“We would move to Vail, and [Mauricio] could be a ski instructor, and I could be home with the kids,” she said. “I do believe that if that had happened, we’d still be together.”
When Rachel Zoe asked whether “life got in the way,” Richards agreed.
“I do think that social media is the worst thing for a relationship and people in the public eye,” she said. “Everyone has access to you. It’s like giving people your number all the time. Anyone can find you. Reach you.”
The RHOBH Star Explains Why Divorce Has Not Happened
Although Richards and Umansky announced their separation in October 2023, neither has filed for divorce.
Richards previously revealed during a March appearance on “The Bossticks” podcast that they are still not legally separated.
“We haven’t done any paperwork,” she said at the time.
During the RHOBH reunion, host Andy Cohen asked Kathy Hilton why she believed the estranged couple had been slow to file for divorce.
“I think maybe, like, it could be a little denial,” Hilton replied.
Rachel Zoe added, “They’re not ready to pull the trigger.”
Richards then explained that she and Umansky have discussed the possibility of legally ending their marriage but do not feel pressured to do so.
“Once there’s someone, you know, that comes into either one of our lives, they’re gonna force our hand in that, you know, obviously,” she said. “We haven’t felt that and needed to do that.”
Kyle Richards Admits Divorce Could Change Family Dynamics
Bozoma Saint John suggested that waiting until a new relationship becomes the catalyst for divorce could create unnecessary tension, particularly since Richards and Umansky currently maintain a cordial relationship.
“I’d rather blame somebody,” Richards joked.
Cohen later asked if she was afraid that officially ending the marriage would permanently change her relationship with Umansky.
“Yes, that does scare me,” Richards admitted.
When Cohen asked whether that fear was holding her back from filing, she confirmed that it was “probably” part of the reason.
Richards also rejected the suggestion from Dorit Kemsley that she was hoping Umansky would return.
“No,” she said. “I think it’s just not knowing what you want.”
She added that she still enjoys the family dynamic they have maintained since separating.
“I like the way it is [now],” Richards said.
The reality star explained that she and Umansky still travel to Colorado with their daughters and spend time together as a family.
“It would change,” she said of a potential divorce. “And it would be scary if it changed.”
Richards also noted that despite not having a prenuptial agreement, she considers herself an equal partner in the life she and Umansky built together, including his real estate company, The Agency.
“We built our lives together,” Richards said. “He literally had two nickels when I married him.”
