Lexi Ioannou Shares Emotional Insight on Relationship with Former Stepfather Tommy Manzo
In a recent episode of Gia Giudice’s "Casual Chaos" podcast, Lexi Ioannou, daughter of former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo, opened up about her complicated relationship with her former stepfather, Tommy Manzo. Lexi, now 29, described Tommy’s “weird obsession” with her, stating that he kept her childhood room unchanged for years, believing she might return.
Tommy Manzo, who was married to Dina from 2007 to 2016, never had children of his own and viewed Lexi as the closest thing to a daughter. Lexi noted that while he was never inappropriate, his overly affectionate behavior made her uncomfortable, particularly as it contrasted with her own parents’ demeanor.
Reflecting on the aftermath of her parents’ tumultuous separation, Lexi recalled a traumatic incident in 2012 when she was violently shaken awake by Tommy, who ordered her to vacate their home in just 30 minutes. She lamented losing not only her childhood keepsakes but also irreplaceable family heirlooms.
With Tommy currently serving an 84-month prison sentence for hiring a mobster to assault Dina’s current husband, David Cantin, Lexi expressed her distress at the loss of her possessions. In a prior Substack article titled “Don’t Poke the Bear,” she shared her grief over the situation and her struggles to reclaim what was taken from her.
Lexi reached out to Caroline Manzo’s daughter, Lauren, in hopes of retrieving her belongings but was unsuccessful. The ongoing situation remains a source of pain for Lexi and her family, especially after witnessing the trial that encapsulated the unsettling dynamics between Tommy and their family.
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