Yes, I think he's slimy too.
As for Emma, there was also the thought that she and Trevor Donovan were an item when they danced together. I just think Emma knows to play that game for people to pay attention to her and her dance partner.
Although, if she does start a romance with Mauricio, she may end up on the Real Housewives show. That would certainly elevate her standing in the reality TV world.
I kind of wonder if she learned that Sharna. Being with Brian Austin Green probably put her in the spotlight more. But, maybe she learned it from Trevor as he's been linked with a couple famous women, Kerry Kennedy and Paris Jackson.