The Manzo family, known for their appearances on The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ), has been embroiled in a dramatic feud that has captivated fans and tabloids alike. Sisters Dina Manzo and Caroline Manzo, once close allies on the reality TV show, have seen their relationship deteriorate amid allegations of betrayal, family disputes, and shocking criminal activities involving Dina’s ex-husband, Thomas “Tommy” Manzo. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Manzo family saga, from love scandals to legal troubles.
The Early Days: Sisterly Bonds on RHONJ
Dina and Caroline Manzo were prominent figures during the early seasons of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, which premiered in 2009. As sisters-in-law (Caroline is married to Dina’s brother, Albert Manzo), they initially appeared united, showcasing their family dynamics at The Brownstone, a well-known New Jersey event venue co-owned by Albert and Tommy Manzo. Their Italian-American heritage and close-knit family were central to their storylines, but cracks in their relationship began to surface as the seasons progressed.
Dina left RHONJ after Season 2 in 2010, citing personal reasons, while Caroline continued until Season 5. Rumors of tension between the sisters began circulating, with fans speculating about the reasons behind their growing distance. By 2014, Dina briefly returned to the show, but her relationship with Caroline remained strained, and the two have not been seen together publicly in years.
The Feud Intensifies: Allegations of Betrayal
The root of the Manzo sisters’ feud reportedly stems from a mix of personal and professional disagreements. Sources close to the family have claimed that Dina felt unsupported by Caroline during her divorce from Tommy Manzo, which was finalized in 2016 after a tumultuous marriage. Dina’s decision to distance herself from the family business, The Brownstone, further deepened the rift, as Caroline and Albert continued to run the venue.
In a 2014 interview on Watch What Happens Live, Dina hinted at the tension, stating that she and Caroline were “not in a good place” and that she felt “betrayed” by her sister-in-law. Caroline, on the other hand, has been more reserved but acknowledged in a 2016 interview that their relationship was “complicated” and unlikely to mend soon. Fans speculated that Caroline’s loyalty to her husband, Albert, and the family business may have clashed with Dina’s desire for independence, creating an irreparable divide.
Dina’s Divorce and Tommy Manzo’s Legal Troubles
Dina’s marriage to Tommy Manzo, which began in 2005, was fraught with challenges. After their separation in 2012 and divorce in 2016, Dina moved to California, seeking a fresh start with her daughter, Lexi. However, the drama surrounding her ex-husband escalated in 2020 when Tommy was indicted on federal charges related to a shocking criminal plot.
According to court documents, Tommy allegedly hired a reputed mobster, John Perna, to assault Dina’s then-boyfriend (now husband), David Cantin, in 2015. The attack took place in a New Jersey parking lot, where Cantin was beaten with a flashlight. Prosecutors claimed that Tommy orchestrated the assault out of jealousy and offered Perna a free wedding at The Brownstone as payment. Perna, a member of the Lucchese crime family, pleaded guilty in 2020 and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Tommy Manzo faced a separate trial and was convicted in June 2024 on charges of conspiracy, falsifying documents, and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. In October 2024, he was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, marking a significant fall from grace for the former reality TV figure. Dina, who has remained relatively silent on the matter, reportedly cooperated with authorities during the investigation.
Caroline’s Reaction and Family Fallout
Caroline has publicly distanced herself from Tommy’s actions, emphasizing that his behavior does not reflect the values of the Manzo family. In a statement following Tommy’s sentencing, Caroline expressed sympathy for Dina and Cantin, stating, “No one deserves to live in fear or face violence.” However, sources claim that Caroline’s initial reluctance to fully condemn Tommy during the investigation further strained her relationship with Dina, who felt unsupported during the ordeal.
The legal drama also impacted the broader Manzo family. Caroline’s children—Albie, Chris, and Lauren—have reportedly sided with their mother, while Dina’s daughter, Lexi, remains close to her. The Brownstone, once a symbol of family unity, has become a point of contention, with Dina having no involvement in its operations since her divorce.
Love Scandals and New Beginnings
Amid the family drama, Dina found love again with David Cantin, whom she married in 2017. The couple has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on their life in California. However, Dina has faced scrutiny over her past relationships, including rumors of infidelity during her marriage to Tommy, which she has denied. Caroline, meanwhile, has remained married to Albert, and the couple continues to run The Brownstone while appearing on the reality show Manzo’d With Children, which aired from 2014 to 2016.
The sisters’ differing life paths have only widened the gap between them. Dina’s move to California and her embrace of a more spiritual, wellness-focused lifestyle contrast sharply with Caroline’s continued presence in the New Jersey social scene. Fans of RHONJ have speculated about a potential reconciliation, but neither sister has indicated any plans to mend their relationship.
The Manzo Family Today
As of 2025, the Manzo family feud remains unresolved. Dina has largely stepped away from the public eye, occasionally sharing updates on social media about her life with Cantin and Lexi. Caroline, meanwhile, continues to engage with fans through her podcast and social media, focusing on her family and business ventures. Tommy’s imprisonmentBryan’s