7 Shocking Realities Of Dina Manzo’s Life After RHONJ: Family Feuds, Mob-Ties, And A $25 Million Empire

Dina Manzo, the beloved "OG" cast member of *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* (RHONJ), has always been known for her Zen demeanor and spiritual outlook, but her life outside of Bravo has been anything but peaceful. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, the reality TV star—now known as Dina Cantin—has been at the center of a dramatic and terrifying legal saga that has dominated headlines, proving that the drama in her life is far more serious than anything seen on television.

The most recent and shocking developments revolve around her ex-husband, Thomas "Tommy" Manzo, and a violent attack on her current husband, David Cantin, that has finally reached a devastating conclusion in the courts. This real-life thriller, coupled with an enduring, bitter feud with her sister, Caroline Manzo, has cemented Dina's status as a reality figure whose personal life continues to captivate and shock the public, even years after leaving the show.

Dina Manzo: Full Biography and Profile

Claudine "Dina" J. Cantin (née Laurita, formerly Manzo) is an American television personality, interior decorator, event planner, and philanthropist. She is best known for her role on *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* and her founding of the charity Project LadyBug.

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• Full Name: Claudine "Dina" J. Cantin (née Laurita)
• Date of Birth: March 7, 1972
• Place of Birth: New Jersey, USA
• Siblings: Youngest of 11 children, including sisters Caroline Manzo and Jacqueline Laurita.
• Spouses:
  • George Ioannou (Divorced)
  • Thomas "Tommy" Manzo (Married 2005, Separated 2013, Divorced 2016)
  • David Cantin (Married 2017)
• Children: Lexi Ioannou (Daughter from first marriage)
• Career Highlights:
  • Original cast member of *The Real Housewives of New Jersey* (Seasons 1, 2, 6).
  • Host of the HGTV series *Dina's Party* (2011–2012).
  • Founder of the non-profit organization Project LadyBug.
  • Interior decorator and event planner (Designer Affair).
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): $25 Million

1. The Shocking Prison Sentence of Her Ex-Husband, Tommy Manzo

The most significant and terrifying update in Dina Cantin’s life is the final sentencing of her ex-husband, Thomas "Tommy" Manzo. In a dramatic conclusion to a years-long legal battle, Tommy Manzo was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in mid-2024 for his role in a 2015 home invasion attack on Dina and her now-husband, David Cantin.

The incident occurred in 2015 when Dina and David were brutally assaulted during a home invasion in Holmdel, New Jersey. The couple was tied up, and David suffered serious facial injuries. The subsequent investigation revealed a shocking plot: federal prosecutors alleged that Tommy Manzo hired a member of the Lucchese crime family to carry out the attack in exchange for a deeply discounted wedding reception at his venue, The Brownstone.

Tommy Manzo pleaded guilty to orchestrating the violent assault, a stark and chilling contrast to the luxury drama typically associated with the *Real Housewives* franchise. This sentencing finally brings a measure of justice and closure to a horrific chapter in Dina's life, though the trauma remains a central part of her narrative.

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2. The Enduring and Bitter Feud with Sister Caroline Manzo

The Manzo family feud remains one of the most infamous and long-running conflicts in reality television history, and recent updates from 2025 confirm that the rift between Dina Cantin and her sister, Caroline Manzo, is still wide open. The relationship has been estranged for years, largely due to lingering resentments and the involvement of Tommy Manzo, who is Caroline's brother-in-law.

In mid-2025, Dina’s daughter, Lexi Ioannou, spoke out about the family drama, confirming that her mother and aunt are still not on speaking terms. Lexi, who has maintained a relationship with some of the Manzo family members, including Tommy Manzo and her cousin Lauren Manzo, has offered occasional glimpses into the complicated family dynamics.

The legal situation involving Tommy Manzo has only deepened the division. Caroline Manzo and her husband, Albert Manzo, have largely remained silent or offered cryptic comments, leading to speculation and further tension. The family drama is less about petty squabbles and more about deeply personal and criminal matters, making a reconciliation between the two sisters seem increasingly unlikely.

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3. A New Life and Home in Montecito, California

Seeking peace and distance from the turmoil of New Jersey, Dina and David Cantin have firmly established a new life in Montecito, California. This relocation was a conscious effort to embrace a more tranquil, spiritual, and private existence, far from the cameras and the legal drama that plagued their East Coast life.

Montecito, a highly exclusive and serene enclave known for its celebrity residents, reflects Dina’s current focus on wellness and interior design. Her career as an interior decorator and event planner (which she showcased on HGTV’s *Dina's Party*) continues, but her primary focus has shifted to a quieter life. This move symbolized a definitive break from the *RHONJ* world and the toxic family ties she left behind.

4. Her Enduring Philanthropic Commitment: Project LadyBug

Despite the personal chaos, Dina Cantin remains deeply committed to her philanthropic work. She is the founder of Project LadyBug, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with cancer and their families.

This charity work has been a consistent aspect of her life, often featured during her time on RHONJ, and it represents a core value that transcends the reality TV fame. Her efforts to provide financial and emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer continue to be a positive and grounding force in her life.

5. The Strong Partnership with Husband David Cantin

David Cantin, who married Dina in a private ceremony in 2017, has been her unwavering partner through the legal and personal storm. Their relationship, which began after her separation from Tommy Manzo, was tested severely by the 2015 attack. David’s recovery and their joint pursuit of justice against Tommy Manzo solidified their bond.

Dina often credits David for bringing stability and a shared spiritual path to her life. Their move to California and commitment to privacy reflect a shared desire to build a future focused on their well-being, away from the toxic elements of the past. David Cantin's support has been instrumental in helping Dina navigate the long, stressful, and often frightening legal process.

6. Her Stance on Returning to Reality TV

Fans frequently speculate about a potential return to *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*, especially given her close friendship with former castmate Teresa Giudice. However, Dina Cantin has repeatedly stated her lack of interest in returning to the franchise. The environment of *RHONJ* has become too toxic and dramatic for her, especially given the true-life danger she has experienced.

Her focus on privacy, her life in Montecito, and her desire to avoid the "messiness" of reality television suggest that her days of being a main cast member are over. She prefers to use her platform for her charity, Project LadyBug, and her design work, rather than engaging in the manufactured or real-life drama that now defines the show.

7. The $25 Million Net Worth and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Dina Cantin's financial success is substantial, with an estimated net worth of $25 million in 2025. This wealth is not solely from her reality television appearances, but is primarily attributed to her successful entrepreneurial career.

Her ventures include her boutique event planning company, Designer Affair, her work as a sought-after interior decorator, and her two seasons hosting *Dina's Party* on HGTV. This financial independence allowed her to leave *RHONJ* on her own terms and relocate to a high-cost-of-living area like Montecito, solidifying her status as one of the wealthiest *Real Housewives* alumni.