Dina Manzo Confronts Sister Caroline Over Shocking Support for Ex-Husband Thomas Manzo Amid Hitman Allegations

The long-simmering feud between former The Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Dina Manzo and her estranged sister, Caroline Manzo, has exploded once again, reaching a dramatic new peak. This latest chapter in their fractured family saga centers around Caroline’s surprising public support for Dina’s ex-husband, Thomas “Tommy” Manzo, who faces grave accusations of hiring a hitman to assault Dina’s current husband, David Cantin. Dina, who has largely maintained a quiet dignity through years of personal struggles and family strife, is now making it clear she’s done being silent, signaling a profound shift in her approach to this deeply personal and painful conflict.

The catalyst for this renewed tension emerged during Tommy Manzo’s pre-trial hearing on May 21. As he awaited release from jail pending his trial, a letter of support from Caroline Manzo was read aloud, describing him as “kind-hearted and caring.” This endorsement, coming from her own sister, struck a particularly harsh chord with Dina. The hearing took place almost a year after Thomas Manzo was indicted for allegedly being an accomplice in a violent 2017 home invasion. This brutal incident saw Dina’s then-boyfriend, now husband, David “Dave” Cantin, tied up and severely beaten with a baseball bat. The attack occurred just one year after Dina and Thomas finalized their divorce in 2016, adding another layer of unsettling complexity to the situation. The details of the hearing and Caroline’s letter were reported by NJ.com, igniting public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the Manzo family dynamics.

Before Dina herself publicly addressed her sister’s controversial actions, a close confidante, Luke McKibben, took to social media to vocalize his dismay and unwavering support for Dina. On May 24, McKibben initiated a powerful Instagram message, expressing his long-held frustrations. “For years I have sat by and watched Dina take the high road over and over,” he began, detailing Dina’s consistent choice of silence, primarily out of “respect for family.” He elaborated on the numerous occasions he had wished to speak up in her defense, only to be “forbid…to say a word” by Dina herself. However, he declared that he could no longer remain silent “while others continue to talk to help keep their relevance.” This passionate defense shed light on the immense emotional toll Dina had endured and hinted at the deep-seated issues within the Manzo family that had been festering for years, often away from the public eye. McKibben’s post was not just a defense of Dina, but a direct challenge to the perceived hypocrisy of those around her.

McKibben’s message became even more pointed as he directly addressed Caroline, sharing a photograph of her alongside Thomas Manzo. Poignantly overlaid on the image were the words “Thick As Thieves,” a phrase iconic to Caroline during her tenure on RHONJ. This choice of words served as a cutting, ironic reminder of Caroline’s past pronouncements about family loyalty, juxtaposed against her current stance. “You will reap what you sow. And I find this extremely fitting after all they are your most famous words,” Dina’s friend concluded, delivering a scathing indictment of Caroline’s actions. The phrase “Thick As Thieves” traditionally implies a close, often complicit, bond between individuals, and its application in this context suggested a deep betrayal felt by Dina and her supporters, implying that Caroline’s loyalty to Tommy superseded her ties to her sister, especially when considering the gravity of the allegations.

Dina herself promptly endorsed McKibben’s powerful statement. Underneath his post, she penned a revealing comment that illuminated her emotional state and newfound resolve. “Normally Lukey I would ask you to take this down but ya know what? I’m starting to think some just expect us to stay quiet while they continue to hurt others…that’s what gives them that ‘power’,” she wrote, indicating a profound shift from her past inclination to keep family matters private. Her words suggested a deliberate decision to reclaim her narrative and challenge the silence that she felt had empowered her detractors. Dina further articulated her perspective, stating, “I’ll say it again…it’s not ok to take kindness for weakness. Plus if I don’t laugh at this point I’ll just continue to cry. I love you.” This raw admission of needing to find humor to cope with the immense pain, coupled with her assertion against kindness being mistaken for weakness, resonated deeply with her followers and underscored the emotional toll this familial betrayal had taken. Her willingness to support McKibben’s public criticism of her sister marked a significant turning point in their long-running feud.

The public outcry and support for Dina quickly gained momentum on social media. The popular Instagram account @RealityA**hole weighed in with a lengthy and strongly worded comment, criticizing Caroline Manzo as “fake” and blasting her behavior, not only in this current situation but also referencing her past conduct on RHONJ. Caroline, like Dina, was a prominent figure on the Bravo reality series, known for her staunch stance on family. The account’s post resonated with many fans who had followed the Manzo family’s complex history. Dina Manzo publicly acknowledged this support by “liking” the comment, a small but significant gesture that signaled her agreement with the sentiment and further cemented her stance against her sister. This action was widely interpreted as Dina actively taking sides and no longer tolerating what she perceived as hypocrisy within her family, particularly from Caroline.

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This isn’t the first time Caroline Manzo has commented on the sensitive situation surrounding Thomas Manzo, who is her brother-in-law through her marriage to Albert Manzo III. When Thomas was initially arrested in June of 2020, Caroline issued a statement to Extra, attempting to navigate the delicate family ties. “We are heartbroken. This is family on both sides. I want to know the truth and my allegiance will lie with the truth,” she declared at the time. She further added, “We don’t run from things like this, we address them, and I feel comfortable with that because we are being painted with a brush that does not reflect who we are as people.” While her previous statement emphasized a desire for truth and impartiality, her recent letter of support, openly praising Tommy Manzo’s character despite the grave allegations against him, stands in stark contrast to her earlier neutral stance, leading many to question her sincerity and allegiance. This shift has only fueled the public’s perception of a deep divide and a potential misalignment of loyalties within the Manzo family.

The accusations against Thomas Manzo extend beyond allegedly orchestrating the violent attack on David Cantin. He is also facing charges of stalking Dina and David, adding a chilling dimension to the entire saga. The depth of this alleged stalking came to light after a search of Thomas’s office at The Brownstone, a prominent venue owned by the Manzo family. Authorities reportedly discovered an astonishing 300 pages of inquiries conducted on various platforms including Google, Lexis, and “Been Verified,” all pertaining to Dina and David. Assistant prosecutor Caitlin Sidley of New Jersey’s Monmouth County, as reported by NJ.com, revealed the alarming scope of these searches. Disturbingly, these investigations reportedly uncovered highly personal information, including the schedule for Dina’s current husband’s 8-year-old son. The revelation of such intimate details raises serious concerns about privacy and the potential dangers faced by Dina and her family, painting a disturbing picture of alleged obsessive behavior.

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Dina Manzo with her husband, David “Dave” Cantin, whom she married in June of 2017. [Instagram/@dina]

In response to the evidence of extensive personal searches, Thomas’s attorneys have maintained that these inquiries were not indicative of stalking or ill intent. Instead, they argued that these searches “were done as a way for Manzo to defend himself against a lawsuit he believed [Dina’s husband] was planning to file,” according to NJ.com. This defense aims to frame the detailed investigations as a proactive legal strategy rather than a malicious act, attempting to justify the collection of private information, including details about Cantin’s son. However, the prosecution and Dina’s supporters find this explanation difficult to reconcile with the comprehensive nature of the searches and the alleged severity of the preceding attack. The legal battle for Thomas Manzo remains ongoing, and he is vigorously fighting the accusations against him. Currently, he faces a litany of serious charges, including robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, criminal restraint, weapons offenses, and stalking Dina and David, as detailed by NJ.com. The legal proceedings promise to be a complex and emotionally charged process, with significant implications for all parties involved, further magnifying the already intense family drama.

The alleged home invasion, which took place in 2017, left David Cantin severely injured and traumatized, marking a dark chapter in Dina’s life. John Perna, the individual accused of carrying out the brutal attack, has already pleaded guilty to his role, corroborating the prosecution’s narrative of a premeditated assault. Perna’s admission of guilt adds substantial weight to the allegations against Thomas Manzo, positioning him as the alleged mastermind behind the violent act. The emotional scars from this incident, coupled with the ongoing legal battle, have undoubtedly taken a toll on Dina and David. Their marriage in June 2017, shortly after the traumatic event, signified a bond strengthened by adversity, but the shadow of the attack and the subsequent legal entanglements continues to loom large over their lives. Dina’s renewed resolve to speak out reflects not just a personal struggle, but a wider commentary on seeking justice and standing up against perceived wrongs, particularly when deeply entrenched family dynamics complicate the pursuit of truth.

The unfolding drama highlights the complicated intersection of personal relationships, reality television notoriety, and the harsh realities of the legal system. For fans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, the Manzo family feud has been a long-standing narrative, but this current iteration transcends typical reality TV drama, venturing into serious criminal accusations and profound personal betrayal. Dina Manzo’s decision to break her silence, supported by friends and followers, marks a significant moment in her journey for peace and justice. Her defiance against those who expect her to “stay quiet” is a powerful statement, asserting her agency and refusal to be intimidated. As the legal proceedings continue and the family tensions remain high, the public watches closely, eager to see how this dramatic chapter in the Manzo family saga will ultimately conclude, and whether justice will prevail for Dina and David Cantin.