Lexi Ioannou & Tommy Manzo: Obsession Claims
Lexi Ioannou reveals a deeply troubling relationship with her former stepfather, Tommy manzo, detailing his “weird obsession” and the fear she experienced for years. In a recent podcast appearance, Ioannou shared how Manzo, currently serving a prison sentence for assault, held onto her belongings for a decade, using them as leverage and exhibiting controlling behaviors. The Real Housewives of New jersey family drama intensifies as Ioannou recounts the “uncomfortable” nature of their connection, highlighting a pattern of manipulation. News Directory 3 has the full story. Discover what Ioannou says about the home invasion and her family’s support. What feelings still linger?
lexi Ioannou Details “Uncomfortable” Tommy Manzo Relationship
Updated May 29, 2025
Lexi Ioannou, daughter of former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo, has opened up about her difficult relationship with her former stepfather, Tommy Manzo. On Gia Giudice’s podcast, Ioannou described feeling fearful and “very uncomfortable” due to what she characterized as Manzo’s “weird obsession” with her.
ioannou, 29, said Manzo held onto her belongings for a decade, using them as leverage. She claimed people told her he kept her room untouched, believing she would return. Ioannou stated that while Manzo was never physically inappropriate, his excessive affection made her uneasy, especially since her parents were not demonstrative.
Despite Manzo’s limited presence during her childhood, ioannou said he retained her childhood possessions after his divorce from Dina Manzo, seemingly to maintain control. Following the split, Manzo faced accusations of hiring someone to assault Dina’s current husband, Dave Cantin, in 2015, and of involvement in a home invasion where Dina and Dave were injured. He was later sentenced to seven years in prison for the assault.
Ioannou recalled receiving a call from Manzo the week before he began his sentence, which she did not answer due to a restraining order.she now regrets not answering, expressing anger and a desire to confront him.
The last time Ioannou spoke with Manzo was before the home invasion. During that call, she refused to let him meet her boyfriend until he returned her belongings, which he continued to withhold.
Ioannou revealed that Manzo had sought a relationship with her after his divorce from Dina, but she perceived his actions as manipulative. She said she long feared Manzo and his potential actions, but that fear dissipated when she realized he was being held accountable for his actions.
“He held onto my things for 10 years and used them as [collateral] as he had this weird obsession with me,” Lexi shared. “For years, people would tell me he kept my room exactly the same as he thought I was gonna come back. I can’t even begin to understand why he would think I would ever come back there.”
Ioannou also expressed feeling abandoned by her family,stating that no one offered her comfort despite knowing about the situation with Manzo.
What’s next
With Tommy Manzo incarcerated, Lexi Ioannou says she has found closure and is processing the trauma she experienced. She is now focused on moving forward and reclaiming her narrative.