Joe Manganiello Reveals a Friend Offered to Abduct Sofía Vergara's Ex
Why Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara's Marriage Fell Apart: What They Said About Their Divorce
Joe Manganiello once had to refuse a “generous offer."
The True Blood actor revealed in his new memoir Bloodlines that an unnamed friend offered to abduct his ex-wife Sofía Vergara’s ex-boyfriend Nick Loeb after Loeb took legal action against Vergara for custody of the embryos they’d had frozen during their relationship.
“At one point a very close friend of mine who happens to have top level contacts in the private security world offered me the opportunity, no questions asked, to have this guy snatched off the street, blindfolded, hog-tied, thrown in the back of a van, and driven deep into a wooded area,” Manganiello wrote in the book, “where he would first be warned, then beaten within an inch of his life, and left to fend for himself in the wild.”
According to the 49-year-old, the “protective part of me did not dismiss the offer right away,” but ultimately he decided against it, writing, “After thinking it through, the spiritual part of me won out, fearing karmic retribution either in this life in the form of prison, or something worse in the next.”
“I said, ‘Thank you, but no thank you,’ to that generous offer,” he recalled, “and informed Sofía that if we ever saw that asshole in public, we'd have to get up and leave. There would be no discussion, just our exit, because I didn't know if I'd be able to hold back from smashing his face in.”
Vergara dated Loeb from 2010 to 2014, with the businessman suing the Modern Family alum in 2016 with a right-to-live lawsuit in Louisiana, although the case was dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction, according to court records obtained by E! News at the time.
E! News has reached out to Loeb’s reps for comment but has not heard back.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Turner; Jason Merritt/Getty Images
As for Manganiello and Vergara—who married in 2015 and split in 2023—the Magic Mike alum was candid about the couple’s relationship in his memoir, explaining that his seven-year battle with a mysterious autoimmune disease resulted in their marriage becoming “devoid of any emotionality whatsoever.”
And while Vergara has not spoken publicly regarding the claim, she did share a pair of cryptic posts on social media.
The 54-year-old first reshared a post by her son Manolo Vergara, 35—who she welcomed with ex Joe Gonzalez—comparing a "good man" to "a narcissistic man" to her Instagram Stories Oct. 9.
"Remember kids," her son wrote on top of the graphic, "when dealing with a narcissist, it doesn't matter how much you do for them, because they will resent you for it, and nothing will ever be enough and they'll always somehow try to paint you as the bad guy."
Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
She also reposted a quote originally shared by Tom Brady that said "the ability to laugh at oneself is probably the highest form of intelligence" and that "the inability to laugh at oneself is a sure sign you're dealing with an idiot."
However, Manganiello—who is now engaged to Caitlin O’Connor—wasn’t concerned by Vergara’s posts, saying on CBS Mornings Oct. 12, “I think anybody who said that should read the book first and understand what the book is actually about because it’s not about that. It’s about the suffering I went through.”
For a look back at Manganiello and Vergara’s time together, keep reading.
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Oscar-Worthy Date Night
The A-list couple stun at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in Beverly Hills on March 12.
Ciao Bella
Vergara and Manganiello enjoy a romantic getaway to Italy in the summer of 2022.
La Dolce Vita
The two tour the stunning Italian countryside.
Instagram / Sofia Vergara
On-Set Support
Vergara gets support from her hubby and son on set during the final day of filming Modern Family in 2020.
The Look of Love
The duo celebrate Valentine's Day 2020 with a sizzling Instagram pic.
Shutterstock
Red Carpet Royalty
Manganiello and Vergara attend the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in L.A. in January 2020.
2020 Vision
The duo celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31, 2019.
Instagram / Sofia Vergara
Birthday Babe
The True Blood alum holds his lady tight while celebrating her 47th birthday in July 2019.
I Heart You
The couple shares an adorable photo while celebrating Valentine's Day 2019.
Rich Fury/Getty Images
Hangin' in Hawaii
Vergara presents her other half with The Shooting Star award during the 2019 Maui Film Festival in June 2019 in Wailea, Hawaii.
Trick or Treat?
The famous couple got spooky with Sofia Vergara's son Manolo for Halloween 2018.
Forever Dinner Date
The duo got all dressed up for a night on the town.
Love Like This
We just want to find someone that looks at us like these two look at each other.
Happily Ever After
It's a love story, we're so glad they said YES!
Pretty in Paradise
The couple enjoyed a much needed vacay together.
Crazy in Love
Their love for each other is undeniable!
They Shine Bright Like a Diamond
It's no secret that this Hollywood couple shines in everything they do, especially together.
JOEchella
Sofia Vergara threw her husband the ultimate Coachella-themed 40th Birthday Bash.
You Fancy, Huh?
They are the definition of color-coordinated couple goals.
Perfect for Each Other
According to a source, "They work out together, watch football together, go out to eat and to movies."
Lighting Up Each Other's World
Whether it is the 4th of July or New Years Eve, this happy couple is celebrating together.
Getting Some Vitamin Sea
Not sure what we love more: This beautiful couple or the stunning view behind them.
Tara Ziemba/Getty Images
Love on Top
"Joe makes Sofia feel like she is the most important woman in the world," says our E! insider.
Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Cutest Couple on the Carpet
Why Netflix & chill when you can get dressed up and attend the Solo: A Star Wars Movie premiere together?
Happiest Together
"I've never seen two people so truly in love. The way they talk to each other, touch each other—it's incredible," said a friend of the couple.
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Manganiello
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello said "I do" on November 21, 2015.
Kisses for the Mrs.
According to a friend of the couple, "She thinks he's gorgeous and sexy and she can't get enough of him. He is the nicest guy in the world and treats her like a queen. He's everything."
He Put a Ring On It
Joe Manganiello popped the question to Sofia Vergara on December 25, 2014.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Red Carpet Official
Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere.
Spotted!
The power couple was first confirmed to be dating in July 2014.
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