Kyle Richards & Mauricio Umansky Accused Of Dragging Out Separation For Reality TV

Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky are supposedly dragging out their marital breakup to secure their reality bag. 

Per a new report, the estranged couple have no intention of repairing their marriage, which has reportedly reached a point of no return. 

People close to the unfolding situation surrounding Richards and Umansky's collapsed marriage have alleged that the duo might be prolonging their relationship issues for the sake of reality show cameras.

Their extensive discussions about why they separated show evidence of them dragging things out without truly delving into the core issues.

It also does not help that the upcoming season of Umansky's reality series, "Buying Beverly Hills," will make the separation a prominent storyline, as depicted in Netflix's trailer for the show's second season.

Surprisingly, no one has attacked or publicly called out the exes for extending the situation. As long as they are okay with it, those in their circle see leveraging their personal struggles for professional advancement as a strategic move.

Additionally, sources indicated to TMZ that Richards and Umansky do not need to hasten the divorce process immediately, given their ability to stay in multiple homes if tensions escalate. 

In the end, the reality stars' enduring connection, forged by years of shared experiences and unwavering commitment to their children, is expected to ensure they remain closely connected.

Umansky recently delved into viewers catching a glimpse into the breakdown of his relationship on his impending show with TMZ.

As the real estate broker claimed, the conversations captured in the trailer for the second season of "Buying Beverly Hills" were not staged. 

Instead, he revealed that cameras were scheduled to film the family in Aspen last summer, coinciding with the weekend when news of the separation surfaced online. 

"The Dealmaker" author further explained that his family chose not to conceal their issues from the cameras and instead opted to be vulnerable for the show. 

Shortly before the update from Umansky, Richards defended herself against allegations of the separation being fake. Per The Blast, the "Eaten Alive" actress expressed disbelief at the notion that she would fabricate stories about her failed marriage for ratings and publicity. 

After questioning why anybody would concoct such a narrative to manipulate ratings and put their family through such turmoil, Richards dismissed the idea as absurd. As she told Alex Baskin:

"I'm going to pretend that I'm separated and torture my children so that people tune in? I mean, it's just the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

While acknowledging her desire to remain relevant to her friends, family, and career, Richards emphasized that resorting to stunts involving her divorce is a boundary she will never breach.

One action that seemingly proved to viewers that the couple's separation was real was Umansky skipping a celebration of life that Richards organized for her lifelong best friend, Lorene Shea, who died by suicide in May 2022. 

The broker's absence became a topic of conversation when "RHOBH" co-star Sutton Stracke asked Richards about his whereabouts during a visit in the days following the event. 

Richards explained, "He was in Mexico City. First, he was in Aspen, then he flew to Mexico City on his friend's plane."

However, Stracke did not buy the mother-of-four's explanation, especially since Richards said that Umansky would make it in time for a charity event organized by Dorit Kemsley. She said:

"I'm not accepting the excuse Mo is giving. Unless you're in the hospital or dead in a ditch, you show up for your wife and your wife's dead best friend's family."

Later, Stracke shared more of her frustration, "Alright, Mauricio, you can come to the Homeless Not Toothless event, but you can't come to the celebration of life event for your wife? That's messed up."

It is worth noting that one of the factors potentially contributing to Umansky and Richards finalizing their divorce is the lack of a prenuptial agreement. Due to that, the decision to pursue legal action might ultimately result in a contentious battle over assets.

Umansky's net worth is estimated at $100 million, primarily derived from nearly $5 billion in real estate sales accumulated during his marriage to the reality star.

Before venturing into real estate, the 53-year-old had a modest income in the fashion industry and even worked for Richards's father, Rick Hilton, before establishing The Agency in 2011.

His partner is no brokie either as she has amassed a comparable wealth from her television career on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."

Richards' former "RHOBH" co-star, Camille Meyer, alleged that in Season 1, she earned $136,000 for the entire season, equating to roughly $12,363.64 per episode for the 11 episodes in that season. 

Rumors suggest that the socialite's salary has nearly doubled since then, with a reported $270,000 for Season 12.