It’s over: Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife of nearly 20 years, Malaak Compton; here they are pictured in 2013 at the Peace, Love & A Cure Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Benefit in New Jersey
They have decided to end their marriage after nearly 20 years.
On Sunday Chris Rock’s wife Malaak Compton announced she was leaving the 49-year-old comedian.
‘After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways,’ she said in a statement.
The founder of the nonprofit styleWorks added, ‘Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life’s blessings, even when faced with difficulties.
‘While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority.
‘It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives.’
Busy parents: The couple has two children, 12-year-old Lola Simone and 10-year-old Zahra Savannah; here they are all together (and with a younger friend) in March at the 27th Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in LA
The Grown Ups star’s attorney Robert S. Cohen also confirmed the split as well.
‘Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak,’ he said in a statement.
‘This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.’
The two wed in 1996 and have two daughters, 12-year-old Lola Simone and 10-year-old Zahra Savannah. They reside in New Jersey.
The couple were plagued by a report in 2010 that he had fathered a child out of wedlock.
In 2007 there were reports that they were on the rocks, but Chris defended they were ‘happy.’
‘The best part is just having a partner,’ the Madagascar star said in 2007. ‘There is no real worst part. I’m not going to say there’s a worst part. I mean, I’m a comedian – comedians like to work alone. So maybe I’m not the ideal guy to be married to, in that sense.’
Daily Mail
