Dina Manzo’s Daughter Responds to Stepfather’s Conviction

Dina Manzo’s daughter, Alexia Ioannu, has broken her silence following the conviction of her stepfather, Thomas Manzo. The former star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey took to Instagram on October 23 to share her thoughts, saying, “Don’t poke the bear.” This marked the first time in a decade that she felt empowered to speak up, not just for herself, but for her mother and others who have suffered in silence.

Just days after Thomas was sentenced to 84 months in prison for orchestrating an attack on Dina’s now-husband, David Cantin, Ioannu posted a more in-depth reflection on her Substack. In it, she recounted her experiences living under the shadow of Thomas, whom she described as both a dangerous figure and someone who once seemed to promise safety.

Ioannu, now 28, elaborated on her complicated relationship with Thomas, recalling how he entered her life when she was just six years old. Their story includes a marriage to her mother in 2007 and a subsequent divorce in 2016. The daughter reflected on the facade of family loyalty and the duality of Thomas’s character — a charismatic leader admired by many, yet deeply troubled in private.

She characterized him as an emotionally unavailable father figure whose gestures of love often came with strings attached. For Ioannu, his expressions of affection were transactional, and instead of providing security, they often left her feeling manipulated.

After her mother left Thomas in 2012, Ioannu alleged that he subjected her and her mother to various forms of psychological torment. She recalled a particular incident when he forcibly removed her from their home, illustrating the volatile nature of their coexistence. This chaos culminated in a violent home invasion linked to Thomas’s jealousy over her mother’s new relationship.

In court, as testimonies from associates and law enforcement painted a picture of obsession and aggression, Ioannu felt a profound sense of betrayal. The realization that her stepfather could orchestrate such violence was shocking, forcing her to reflect on her troubled upbringing.

Despite these painful memories, Ioannu expressed her determination to reclaim her narrative. Concluding her piece, she emphasized that she is not the bear to be poked; she is empowered to confront her past. Her mother, Dina, publicly supported her declaration, cherishing her daughter’s courage in sharing their story.

This moment marks a significant chapter for Ioannu, as she seeks not only her truth but also solidarity for others who endure similar struggles.