Andy Cohen admits he was “very” surprised by Kyle Richards’ split from husband Mauricio Umansky after 27 years of marriage.
While the Bravo maven remained tight-lipped on spoilers for the upcoming season of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” which is set to air in the fall, he did tease what fans can expect.
“I think when you watch the new season of ‘Beverly Hills,’ you’ll be less surprised [by Richards and Umansky split],” he exclusively told Pvnew at a party celebrating the new cast of “RHONY” Wednesday night.
Richards, 54, and Umansky, 53, shocked “RHOBH” fans earlier this month when it was revealed that they were splitting after over two decades of marriage.
Richards’ close relationship with country music singer Morgan Wade over the last year began sparking rumors that it played a role in their relationship ending.
The estranged couple — who share three daughters: Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15 — released a statement confirming discord in their marriage but denied any speculation of “wrongdoing.”
Cohen told us that he has “corresponded” with Richards since the split, but declined divulge details, explaining that it was a “private conversation.”
Sources previously told Pvnew that even though the upcoming season was filmed months ago, Bravo picked the cameras back up to film the aftermath of the news.
“Producers know fans want a glimpse into how Kyle and Mauricio came to this decision,” our source told us.
Cohen also previously confirmed that the season would include details about the separation.
“I wanna say that this will be included next season of ‘Beverly Hills’ in some way shape or form. That’s all I’ll say,” he said on his SiriusXM show, “Radio Andy,” earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” host was on hand Wednesday to celebrate a different franchise.
“I just want [the audience] to meet the women, to give them a chance and to get to know them like they would get to know any new friends,” Cohen said of the new “RHONY” cast, which includes Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Dana Lichy and Brynn Whitfield.
He added, “And also to know, this isn’t the old group. This is a totally new show and that it’s a lot of fun.”
The “Daddy Diaries” author also revealed that Bravo is probably now more mindful in checking up on potential Bravolebrities in an attempt to ward off financial shenanigans or problematic prior tweets.
“I think we probably do more research now about people’s backgrounds than we did before,” he said, before noting that it’s impossible to be 100 percent sure about anyone.
“I think that there are just some things that you just can’t find out but hope for the best, hope for the best.”
