Mauricio Umansky & ‘DWTS’ Partner Emma Slater Speak Out About Hand-Holding Photo

Mauricio Umansky and his “Dancing with the Stars” dance partner Emma Slater are lookin’ to clear the air about the pic of them holding hands … claiming folks are blowing it out way of proportion.

The 2 talked about the viral photo on social media Thursday, taking a break from dance rehearsals to comment … saying they grabbed some sushi after rehearsal — following an “emotional week” — and they were chatting outside after when he grabbed Emma’s hand.

He says from there, they headed to the car — as we reported, their hands were still locked — but that’s about it.

Emma even joked about how some think the brief interaction means they’re full-on dating.

Remember, sources with direct knowledge told us much of what MU and ES are tellin’ their followers … but it was a story Kyle Richards certainly wasn’t buying.