After nearly 20 years of marriage, comedian Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock have decided to go their own separate ways.
The couple, who were married in November 1996, share daughters Lola, 12, and Zahra, 10. “Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak,†Rock’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, tells inquiring reporters. “This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.â€
The Brooklyn funny man’s lawyer, Robert S. Cohen, confirmed the news.
This isn’t the first time the duo have courted ending their marriage. Back in 2006, the New York Daily News reported that Rock, then-41-years-old, had filed for divorce. Weeks later the site reported that the couple mended their differences. Rock released a statement at the time calling the reports “untrue rumors and lies.â€
Fast forward to today, and Malaak Compton-Rock puts a bow on the divorce proceedings by issuing a statement about the split. “After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways … 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.â€
Compton-Rock, 45, is the founder of the non-profit organization styleWORKS, a salon that provides free services to women entering the workforce after leaving welfare.
Chris, on the other hand, recently released the semi-autobiographical film, Top Five, to rave review. To date, the film has brought in $19.2 million domestically since its Dec. 12 release.
SOURCE: USA Today