Kyle Richards confirmed she was in a relationship following her split from ex-husband Mauricio Umansky, but the romance ended due to pressure from public speculation.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star opened up about her love life during the Dec. 11 episode. Richards sat down with costar Erika Jayne to explain why she kept the relationship private from fellow housewives.
“Erika, if you were seeing someone that you cared very much about, that specifically says, ‘Please, I’m not a part of this group, be respectful.’ Would you betray that person because people are curious?”
Jayne replied she’d “protect that person.”
Richards, 56, continued with her explanation during the intimate conversation.
“Listen, I’ve always told everybody to be honest, and I’m an honest person. I’m not a liar. But I don’t know what people want from me. I am single now, okay? I was seeing someone who I cared about very much.”
The Relationship Details
In her confessional, Richards revealed she “fell hard” for someone after separating from Umansky in July 2023. The former couple was married for 27 years and share three daughters: Alexia, 29, Sophia, 25, and Portia, 21. Richards also has daughter Farrah, 37, from a previous relationship.
“When I’m in love with somebody, I want to share that. I’m an open person like that. That doesn’t mean the person I’m with feels the same way.”
The public attention became too much for her partner.
“All the speculation and the gossip and the talking is ultimately what ended it. I could’ve weathered the storm, but this is not for everyone.”
Richards didn’t reveal her partner’s identity specifically. She previously sparked romance rumors with musician Morgan Wade in 2023 after appearing in Wade’s music video for “Fall in Love with Me.”
The Price of Privacy
Richards chose to stay quiet about their friendship on RHOBH. During the show’s season 14 reunion special, she revealed feeling “guilty” for bringing Wade, 31, into the spotlight.
The attention caused Wade “anxiety, and she doesn’t want to be a part of that,” Richards explained.
Jayne offered perspective on Richards’ situation during her own confessional.
“Imagine getting out of a close to 30-year marriage, unexpectedly falling in love with someone, but you can’t talk about that love.”
She described it as “a really hard place to be.”
“Even though this relationship is over, the women are still going to question Kyle until she addresses it once and for all.”
Moving Forward
Jayne praised Richards for her personal growth, saying she’s “the most honest with herself than she’s ever been in her entire life.”
“She’s open, understanding, finally willing to be vulnerable. I’m very proud of Kyle.”
Richards isn’t ruling out future relationships. Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of the Dec. 4 premiere of season 15, she expressed hope for the future.
“I hope to get married again one day. I mean, listen, I’m someone who really enjoys being married. So I won’t be single my whole life.”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
