Los Angeles [US], October 26 : American actor Kyle Richards has admitted that her seperation from Mauricio Umansky after 27 years of marriage was her idea, reported People.
Appearing on 'Watch What Happens Live' the 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star, 54, acknowledged to show host Andy Cohen that she was the driving force behind the change in their marital status during their first interview together since People initially broke the news of their conflict in July.
"It originated from me, I'll say," said Richards, who was appearing on the episode with best friend and former RHOBH star Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave.
According to People, Richards and Umansky, 53, have been married since January 1996. The pair, who first met at a nightclub in 1994, share daughters Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23 and Portia, 15, as well as Farrah Brittany (nee Aldjufrie), 34, from Kyle's first marriage to ex Guraish Aldjufrie.
The couple "have been separated for a while now but are still living under the same roof," a source close to the estranged couple told People in July. As they figure out what lies next for them and their family, they continue to be cordial." In a joint statement shared on Instagram at the time, Richards and Umansky acknowledged having a "rough year" but refuted reports that they were divorcing.
Fans got to see part of that tough year play out on RHOBH's season 13 premiere Wednesday, including a tense conversation in which Richards admitted to feeling "disconnected" in their marriage. "I mean, sometimes you're married and they can do no wrong. Other times, they breathe and you want to punch them," she explained in confessional. "Right now, I'm irritated," reported People.
Richards revealed more about their current relationship status on 'WWHL', revealing that they currently reside in their California mansion on different floors. "I let him stay in the primary bedroom 'cause it's very masculine and the upstairs floor's like the glam and there's like, a bed," she said. "And I was like, 'What am I going to do? Put him in a room with flowers and pink and velvet? No."
She also opened up about how her children reacted to the news, saying that it was "really, really devastating" for their "whole family" at first.
"Our phones were blowing up, our kids were crying and wouldn't leave the house. It was really, really difficult," said Richards. "But now they're much better and they're really strong. They're just so together and so smart and they've been my best, best, best friends. I could not be more proud of them. They're just amazing human beings. Thank God I have them through this."
When asked what is the biggest misconception about their separation, Richards said that "the thing that I hear the most that bothers me so much is that we are doing this just for ratings."
"What human being would do that to their children? To their family?" Richards asked. "I mean, that is just... Obviously those people are very ignorant, but it's so annoying. I mean, I love you guys [at Bravo] and the show, but not that much, "reported People.
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