Taryn Manning’s humiliating claims about lover who leaked nudes… and his venomous brag about why he did it

by

Taryn Manning says a photographer is harassing her and making her life extremely difficult.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, actress Uzo Aduba, known for her role in Orange is the New Black, described photographer Rick Mendoza as ‘unpredictable.’

‘He scares me, to be honest,’ Manning, 47, admitted in an emotional voice message.

The actress stated that while Mendoza, 58, has never been physically abusive, he has repeatedly sent her and her family harassing messages.

She explained that while he hasn’t been physically harmful, he’s deeply hurt many women emotionally. He really manipulated her, but she’s finally realized she can’t continue a relationship with him.

Manning and Mendoza, who goes by the nickname ‘Riki Boo Boo,’ became acquainted over a year ago through Manning’s former assistant, who used to date Mendoza.

The couple frequently retreats to the actress’s $1.1 million house in Palm Springs, California, and Mendoza often posts pictures of their private time together on his Instagram.

We decided not to publish one image out of respect for Manning, as it showed them naked by a pool with peach emojis covering sensitive areas. Another image depicted them kissing while celebrating Christmas.

These photos are just of us hanging out together,” Manning explained. She then mentioned the nude picture taken by the pool, saying, “I never imagined he would use my body like that. I’m okay now, but I definitely didn’t want that picture taken or shared.”

People close to the actress are growing increasingly concerned about her, because of concerns about Mendoza’s actions and how close he’s become to her.

According to a close friend who spoke with the Daily Mail, he’s been bothering Taryn for quite a while. The friend said they’re tired of watching her go through this because he’s envious of her real friendships.

The friend also expressed worry that Mendoza is exploiting Manning’s situation for money, claiming Manning is experiencing homelessness.

Manning stated she financially supports the photographer, adding that he also earns money by delivering food for DoorDash.

Despite filing for bankruptcy in 2018, as reported by the Daily Mail, Mendoza denies having financial problems. He told the Daily Mail he owns a home in Irvine and continues to earn income photographing celebrities in Hollywood.

He recently photographed Lucille Ball’s daughter and Bob Mackie. He added with a laugh that he hopes to photograph her again if she’s willing.

In fact, Mendoza claims that his feelings for Manning are sincere.

He admitted he’s deeply in love with her, even though he finds some of her ideas and behaviors frustrating. Despite her flaws, he loves her completely and accepts her for who she is, and he’s willing to overlook a lot because of it.

Mendoza acknowledged that many of Manning’s past and present girlfriends were upset about the new relationship, but he believes their feelings stem from jealousy.

He explained they were fiercely trying to maintain her presence in a reality Taryn rejects, and then suggested some of those involved are lesbians with romantic feelings for her.

Mendoza claims this girl unexpectedly started messaging her, quickly became very close, and began acting as if she owned her.

People are controlling her in a harsh and overbearing manner, not giving her any space or freedom. However, a close friend of Manning strongly refuted these allegations.

Mendoza also said that Manning’s own mother, Sharyn Manning, has voiced concerns about him.

He said she’s upset when he takes her picture and it ends up on sites like the Daily Mail or TMZ, especially because she doesn’t think the photos look good.

The mother is only upset about people saying negative things about her appearance and about comments related to what Taryn said. However, that kind of reaction is just part of the public attention – it’s a shock tactic. If you’re not familiar with how the media works, it’s hard to navigate these situations.

The Daily Mail reached out to Sharyn for comment.

Fans, too, have feared for Manning, especially in the wake of troubling Instagram posts last year. 

Last November, the actress from 8 Mile shared videos of herself dancing at home without clothes on top, and barefoot. She had messy hair and encouraged her fans to subscribe to her OnlyFans account, writing ‘come see me naked on OF – so yummy.’

She explained in a video that she understands some people are bothered by her wearing revealing clothing, but she questioned why she shouldn’t be able to dress as she pleases on her own property.

The video prompted many viewers to urge Manning to seek help with substance use, with some calling the post upsetting. One commenter wrote a heartfelt message, telling Manning they recognized she was going through a difficult time and offering support, emphasizing that she is loved.

People also noticed similarities between her videos and Britney Spears’ famous dance clips, with one commenter saying they reminded them of Britney.

According to a source who spoke to the Daily Mail, Taryn struggles with alcohol. The source also claims Rick Mendoza is a problem, as he’s separating her from her friends and family and trying to control who she spends time with, including cutting her off from supportive people in her life.

Taryn, who has previously battled with substance use, told the Daily Mail she is not currently using drugs, stating, ‘I have not relapsed.’

‘It’s not a crime,’ the actress told us of her online behavior. 

She clarified, ‘I portray those characters on television, but that doesn’t mean I struggle with addiction myself. If I were an addict, it would have been impossible to consistently work in my field since 1997.’

People don’t often realize the extent of my work – I’ve been consistently creating art for decades, with formal training and as a professional, signed artist. Understanding that background is important.

Manning is still working as an actress. She recently spoke with the Daily Mail from the set of her new film, Puppet, which is currently being prepared for production.

Someone working within the industry praised Manning, saying she’s consistently punctual, professional, and a pleasure to collaborate with. They highlighted her reliable and positive attitude.

Her colleagues rave about working with her and are eager to collaborate again. She’s currently filming a movie and has another one scheduled to start in just two weeks. While many actors are currently out of work, she remains consistently employed.

During several interviews with the Daily Mail, Chelsea Manning spoke clearly and showed no signs of being affected by drugs or alcohol.

Mendoza, meanwhile, proudly takes credit for Manning’s eyebrow-raising content.

He admitted it was all about creating a big splash and getting attention. ‘We understand how the celebrity world operates,’ he said. ‘We’re not naive, and I know exactly how to get her name out there.’

Once the public stops paying attention – when the cameras are off, the articles stop being written, and people stop talking about you – that’s when it’s truly over.

Mendoza also refuted claims that the videos show substance use, stating, ‘We might occasionally have a little wine, but that’s all.’

There are no significant issues with her health or well-being. She simply enjoys being the center of attention and actively seeks it out.

It’s puzzling why Manning maintained a relationship with Mendoza for so long, especially since her loved ones and her own instincts urged her to end it. However, she explained that she recognized his tendency to take advantage of situations and feels she’s finally moved on for good.

She explained that they have very different backgrounds and experiences. He’s not inexperienced, but he doesn’t work in the same field or have the same creative focus as she does.

He’s really into reality TV and social media, while I’ve always been focused on developing my skills as an actor and building a career. That difference means we don’t share many of the same interests.

The actress also mentioned that Mendoza is sometimes funny and has a certain appeal, but added that it’s a benefit for him to be able to spend time around her.

Okay, so listen, this guy… Dennis Woodruff? Total mess, honestly. He’s just… infuriating! And the worst part? He’s living out of his car! It reminds me SO much of that legendary guy in LA, you know, the one who’d cruise around Hollywood in these ridiculously over-the-top cars, just shouting about whatever project he was working on? Yeah, it’s exactly like that, but way more pathetic. Seriously, he’s a total joke, but I can’t look away!

Mendoza stated he had promised to keep his relationship with Manning secret, understanding it’s considered inappropriate for an actress to date a photographer. However, he went on to share details with the Daily Mail and posted personal photos online.

Mendoza insists he has real feelings for the actress, though he admits they may or may not be soulmates. He said, ‘We might be each other’s great love, or we might not – it’s still possible either way.’

I don’t see myself as her rescuer. I’m generally a stable person, and honestly, if I wasn’t here to help, someone else would have stepped in.

Someone who’s known photographer Mendoza for a long time says they’ve noticed concerning shifts in his behavior recently.

According to a source, Rick has been behaving strangely lately. He’s grown a beard – something he’s never done before – and generally seems distant. He even lost his apartment and was living out of his car for a period of time.

According to reports, Manning relocated to Palm Springs to escape the Los Angeles party scene, which was negatively impacting him, suggesting Mendoza might not be a positive influence.

For decades, Mendoza has been a fixture in the entertainment industry, frequently offering his expertise in news documentaries. He famously reached a settlement with Britney Spears in 2009 after she accidentally ran over his foot while driving out of a parking garage.

According to a source, he’s an old-fashioned and unsettling figure who promises to boost people’s careers. They described him simply as “a strange guy.”

A friend of Manning shared with the Daily Mail that Taryn is hoping for a committed relationship and doesn’t see that happening with him.

He’s still dealing with issues from past relationships. Taryn is a dedicated person who deserves a partner who is honest and upfront, and he simply isn’t that person.

Shortly after a difficult relationship with a married man that resulted in a restraining order, Mendoza entered Manning’s life.

In a video shared online, Manning described engaging in oral sex with someone for several nights because they enjoyed it, and she admitted she didn’t object. She then questioned if this behavior was unusual, suggesting it was something ‘demons do’.

She messaged the wife, saying: ‘Don’t you ever threaten me again. I’ll show you what I’m capable of. And don’t you dare threaten me knowing your husband came to me for… intimacy.’

She later apologized for sharing details of the affair on social media, explaining that she was upset and should have discussed it privately with her friends and family.

Taryn recently shared with the Daily Mail that she’s been dealing with personal challenges, in addition to issues with Mendoza.

She stated that she has been experiencing a long-term and well-documented pattern of harassment, stalking, online intrusion, and controlling behavior. These actions, she said, have been repeatedly aimed at damaging her reputation, endangering her safety, and harming her ability to earn a living.

I’m taking legal action against these individuals due to their harmful actions towards me.

In 2023, Taraji P. Henson’s makeup artist, Holly Hartman, was arrested for allegedly stealing Henson’s car. Ten years earlier, Henson was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and strangulation after an argument with Hartman. In November 2012, Henson pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in the case.

Even with all the criticism she’s facing, Manning told the Daily Mail she’s concentrating on the future, staying true to herself, and refusing to give attention to stories that don’t accurately portray her current life.

Read More

2026-02-18 18:40