'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAyWFDT//EACMQAQABAQYHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBBAADBQYRFRMhMTJSkdH/2gAIAQEAAT8AyXhVDuFdR8JqCr5lN+NOkOmnMzK92WI3TUrbqONZ17V9t//EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAjL/2gAIAQIBAT8AN2J//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAy/9oACAEDAQE/AHBf/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
DWTS season 32 judge Carrie Ann Inaba is known for her straightforward and often blunt feedback. But in the fifth episode of this season, her reaction to a performance by Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater was anything but typical. Carry stated,
“Mauricio that was beautiful. When you fake contemporary, we feel it and it makes my skin crawl.”
The episode, themed "Most Memorable Year Night," featured contestants reflecting on pivotal years in their lives. Mauricio, a real estate mogul who is currently separated from his wife, Kyle Richards, chose the year 1996.
Mauricio and his dance partner Emma Slater performed a contemporary routine to Andra Day's Rise Up in DWTS season 32 episode 5. The performance earned them a total score of 24 points. Inaba's response to the performance was notably strong and positive.
Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater earn high praise in DWTS season 32 episode 5
Carrie Ann Inaba's reaction was the talk of the town after DWTS season 32 episode 5 aired. She praised the dance as beautiful and said it was the furthest thing from making her skin crawl. Her remarks quickly drew notice from the audience since they deviated from her reputation as a harsh critic.
During the episode, Mauricio took the opportunity to praise Emma's choreography. He mentioned that it had been an emotional week for him, making it challenging to tap into the feelings required for their contemporary routine.
The year 1996 holds special significance for Mauricio. It was the year he married Kyle Richards, and also the year he lost his job. Mauricio described feeling like a complete failure during that time.
Both Mauricio and Kyle are currently separated. They have been married for 27 years and have three daughters together: Alexia, Sophia, and Portia. Despite the separation, Mauricio emphasized that divorce is not being considered.
Mauricio and Kyle posted about their separation on Instagram on July 4, stating:
“We have had a rough year. The most challenging one of our marriage…But we both love and respect each other tremendously. There has been no wrongdoing on anyone’s part. Although we are in the public eye, we ask to be able to work through our issues privately."
Emma Slater, Mauricio's dance partner, is also navigating personal challenges. She separated from her fellow Dancing with the Stars professional, Sasha Farber, in April 2022 and filed for divorce in February. Despite these personal hurdles, both Mauricio and Emma have been focusing on their performances and the competition at hand.
Final thoughts
DWTS season 32 episode 5 has proven to be more than just another episode in a long-running series. From Carrie Ann Inaba's unexpected praise to the personal stories of Mauricio and Emma, this episode has captured the attention of viewers in a way that few episodes have.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how DWTS season 32 influences the dynamics of the competition and the narratives that unfold. The next DWTS episode is set to release on October 31, 2023, on ABC and Disney+.
