EXCLUSIVE: Luann de Lesseps opens up about Kyle Richards’ rumored lesbian romance – and reveals if SHE will ever pursue a same-sex relationship – as she predicts 2024 will be her year to find her ‘perfect’ partner

Real Housewives of New York star Luann de Lesseps has shared her thoughts on Kyle Richards’ love life and alleged new romance with a woman 16 years her junior.

Kyle, 54, has vehemently denied being in a lesbian relationship with Morgan Wade, 28, amid her marital problems with her husband of 27 years, Mauricio Umanski.

The duo have become increasingly close over the past few months, with Kyle even appearing as Morgana’s love interest in the music video for her hit, Fall In With Me, where they shared a passionate kiss.

When asked about the rumors of a lesbian romance, Luann, 58, told DailyMail.com: “Look, who am I to judge? I do not know. I was with Kyle on the first Ultimate Girls Trip, so I know Kyle and I love Kyle.’

Referring to the ‘tough year’ that Kyle and Mauricio have been going through, Luann continued: ‘I haven’t heard… because I haven’t been in LA. But regardless, it’s their private matter and I hope things work out… I don’t really know.’

Asked if she would ever consider enjoying a romance with a woman, Luann added, “It’s not my thing, but you never know! You just never know! I mean, love is love, right?’

Mother-of-two Luann has been married twice, first to Count Alexandre de Lesseps – with whom she shares son Noel and daughter Victoria, but it ended in divorce in 2009 – a year after the first season of RHONI.

In December 2016, Luann married Tom D’Agostino Jr., but announced they were divorcing the following August. In October 2017, it was announced that the divorce had been settled out of court and would be finalized “soon”.

She went on to enjoy a romance with talent agent Rich Super in 2018 and 2019, before dating personal trainer Garth Wakeford the following year. In April 2021, Luann confirmed that they had split.

In May 2021, it was reported that she was in a relationship with ex-footballer Radames Rubio, whom she met while vacationing in Tulum, Mexico, but it is not certain when they named their romance.

Luann, who is currently on tour with her Countess Cabaret show, confirmed that she is currently single and revealed: “I’m very happy on my own. I’m really busy at the moment, so I think 2024 will be my year to be with someone who will be perfect for me.’

“Dating has changed, the dating landscape with COVID and online dating and all that stuff. I think people need to be nicer and be more together and just go out and hang out and flirt and not be afraid to walk up to someone and give them a compliment,” she advised.

The glamorous brunette also said she thinks it’s important to put in real energy and make it clear you’re “really happy”.

“You don’t need him to be happy, you are happy alone, but let’s have fun together.” You know, it’s that kind of energy. Everyone has an energy field and you need to release that energy, you need to manifest… you need to manifest, as I want it to.’

When asked if she would ever get married again, Luann teased, “Never say never! I’m a hopeless romantic!’ but it doesn’t shed any more light on the state of Kyle’s marriage.

Meanwhile, Kyle’s husband Mauricio has spoken candidly about his split from the reality TV star just hours after the explosive Real Housewives of Beverly Hills trailer was released, featuring some very dramatic moments between the longtime couple.

The 53-year-old estate agent opened up about his marriage to the 54-year-old reality star alongside his professional partner Emma Slater after taping Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday night.

He reacted to the RHOBH trailer in an interview with E T‘s Deirdre Behar as he said: ‘The reality is… we’re officially separated, but we haven’t thrown in the towel.’

Mauricio explained: “We are fighting for this. We have been married for 27 years, 26 amazing years. Kyle is my best friend, she is an amazing person, I love her…

“And marriages sometimes go through hard times, and that’s what we’re dealing with right now.” ‘

The real estate broker went on to say that going through the split and being in the public eye is difficult, but he wants their fans to know that they are being as transparent as possible.

Mauricio told People, “It’s very difficult to be in the public eye and have so much inquisition when you’re going through something difficult.

“My wife is just looked at so intensely and it’s really not fair.” She’s just a person. She’s an amazing person, she’s my best friend and she doesn’t deserve to be judged like that for everything she does.’

He also said interest in the state of their marriage is “too much” as he urged fans to “give us time” to figure things out.

The reality star added: “We promise to keep you posted. We are not hiding anything from you.’