Taryn Manning has alleged that she is being tormented by a paparazzo she previously dated, claiming he has made her life a 'living hell'. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the Orange is the New Black actress, 47, said photographer Rick Mendoza, 58, is 'unpredictable' and that she is 'scared' of him.
Manning alleged that Mendoza has sent harassing messages to her and her loved ones, though she said he has never physically harmed her. 'He's hurt a lot of women – not physically but he's broken a lot of hearts,' she said. The pair were introduced over a year ago by Mendoza's ex-girlfriend, who was Manning's then-assistant.
Mendoza has shared intimate photos of the pair on his public Instagram account, including one of them sitting naked by a pool, their modesty covered by peach emojis. 'I never in a million years thought that he would exploit my body like that,' Manning said. A close friend of Manning expressed concern that Mendoza is using the actress for financial gain, alleging he is 'homeless'. Manning confirmed she helps pay his bills, claiming he works as a DoorDasher.
Mendoza, who filed for bankruptcy in 2018, disputed the financial claims, telling the Daily Mail he has his own place in Irvine and still earns money from photographing celebrities. He insisted his feelings for Manning are sincere: 'It kills me how much I'm in love with her... I have love for her that's unconditional.' He also claimed Manning's friends are jealous and that her mother has voiced concerns about the photos he takes of her.
