Topics: Sex and Relationships, TV And Film, Reality TV, Real Housewives, Celebrity
Real Housewives fans were left reeling last year when much-loved couple Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky called time on their marriage after 28 years together.
And in an even more shocking turn of events, within months of announcing their split, it was rumoured that Richards had begun a relationship with none other than country music star, Morgan Wade.
Though they haven't yet officially confirmed anything, Mauricio has this week addressed the speculation, opening up on the 'connection' his ex-wife supposedly has with Morgan.
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Back in June 2023, a source close to the Umansky-Richards family told People that Mauricio and Kyle had been 'separated for a while'.
"[They] are still living under the same roof," they claimed at the time. "They remain amicable as they figure out what’s next for them and their family."
Earlier this month, the Real Housewives favourite confirmed she and her ex are still living together, despite being separated.
"The current status is we live under the same roof. It feels so funny to talk about this," she said. "We live under the same roof in different rooms. We are fortunate enough that we have other homes.
"He comes and goes, and when we are all there, it's sort of like... if he is there for dinner, great!"
Since their split, however, mother-of-four Kyle has been spotted with the 'Wilder Days' hitmaker, with the duo being papped together earlier this year at 55-year-old Kyle's birthday soiree in Mexico.
Weeks later, photos taken at the filming for Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen saw the 29-year-old country star seemingly caressing the actor's arms.
The pair even went on to film a music video together for the singer's 2023 track 'Fall In Love With Me' - a segment of which saw the pair feeding one another fruit and taking a bubble bath together.
And earlier this month, Kyle revealed a brand new piece of body art on social media - showing that Los Angeles artist Amanda Merkatz had drawn the outline of a cowboy hat on her arm - leaving some fans wondering whether it could be a subtle shout-out to Morgan.
Despite admitting he isn't certain where his ex-wife's relationship stands with Morgan, Mauricio believes they have a 'connection'.
Speaking in an episode of brand new real estate reality series Buying Beverly Hills, the 53-year-old tells his colleague: "I don't really know, to be quite honest with you. I have not asked her straight up.
"There's a lot of news on the two of them. Are they dating? Are they not dating? Honestly, I just never asked straight up."
And though one might imagine it difficult to consider - even know of - your former flame finding someone new, Mauricio claims that he doesn't want to 'put extra pressure on her'.
"They definitely have some sort of a connection together," he continued to say.
"You know, there's no question about that. I mean, they spend a lot of time together. What that connection is, I have no idea."
"And maybe one of the reasons I don't want to ask is because I don't want to put the extra pressure on her.
"Like, if it's working for her and it's giving her the opportunity to be dealing with our separation and what we're dealing with, I'm good with that."
