In a recent social media firestorm, Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Lauren Manzo found herself at the center of controversy after Lexi Ioannou, daughter of former RHONJ star Dina Manzo, publicly accused her of failing to assist in retrieving personal belongings left at Manzo’d With Children star Caroline Manzo’s home. The drama, which unfolded on Instagram, has sparked heated discussions among fans, with Lauren clapping back to set the record straight.
Lexi Ioannou, now 28, took to her Instagram Stories on May 27, 2025, to express frustration over her inability to recover items allegedly left at Caroline Manzo’s residence years ago. In her post, Lexi claimed she had reached out to Lauren for help, stating, “I’ve tried to be civil, but it’s been years, and I just want my things back.” She further hinted at strained family dynamics, noting that her attempts to resolve the issue had been met with resistance.
Lauren, 37, didn’t hold back in her response, taking to her own Instagram Stories to provide her side of the story. She explained that she had, in fact, attempted to assist Lexi but faced significant obstacles. “I reached out to the necessary parties multiple times to coordinate the return of Lexi’s belongings,” Lauren wrote. “I even offered to personally pack and ship the items, but I was told it wasn’t my responsibility and to stay out of it.” She emphasized that her hands were tied, as the items were at her mother’s home, and she had no direct control over the situation.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lauren revealed that she had gone above and beyond in the past to help Lexi, including offering emotional and financial support during tough times. “I’ve always been there for Lexi, even when others weren’t,” Lauren stated, suggesting that Lexi’s public accusations were unfair and one-sided. She also pointed out that Lexi had not reached out directly in recent months, contradicting Lexi’s claim of ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.
The feud has drawn attention to the complex dynamics within the Manzo family, particularly following Dina Manzo’s departure from RHONJ and her estrangement from certain family members. Fans of the show will recall that Dina and Caroline’s relationship has been rocky, with public spats and periods of no communication. Lexi’s belongings, reportedly left at Caroline’s home during a period when Dina and Lexi lived there, have become a flashpoint in this ongoing family tension.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans siding with Lexi, arguing that she has a right to her personal items, while others support Lauren, praising her for addressing the situation transparently. One fan commented on X, “Lauren’s always been real. Sounds like she tried to help, but family drama got in the way.” Another user wrote, “Lexi needs to take this up with Caroline directly instead of dragging Lauren online.”
As of now, neither Caroline Manzo nor Dina Manzo has publicly commented on the dispute. Lexi has also not responded to Lauren’s latest statements, leaving fans wondering if the issue will escalate further or if the belongings will finally be returned.
This drama serves as a reminder of the lingering tensions within the RHONJ universe, even years after some cast members stepped away from the spotlight. For now, Lauren Manzo stands firm in her account, urging fans to consider the full context before passing judgment.