Chris Rock files for divorce from wife of 19 years, cites ‘irreconcilable differences’ as cause

Chris Rock has filed for divorce from Malaak Compton-Rock, his wife for close to twenty years. They were married on November 23, 1996, and they have been parents to two daughters, Lola Simone (born 2002) and Zahra Savannah (born 2004). Robert S. Cohen, the comedian's attorney, in a statement said: "Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family."

Malaak, the founder and executive director of StyleWorks, a non-profit, full-service salon that provides free services for women leaving welfare and entering the workforce, also released a public statement. She said: "After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways. 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." Like Chris, she is also asking the public to respect their privacy as they go through the divorce process. She said: "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."

In his divorce filings, Chris is asking for joint and equal physical and legal custody of his daughters, stating that he "is now and always has been a fully involved and participating parent in all aspects of the lives of these children." He is also asking for the equitable distribution of property, maintaining that Malaak "has the ability to work and contribute to her own support, as well as the support and other financial needs of the children."

Malaak has not yet filed a response although many believe she will not be contesting much of the comedian's requests with respect to shared custody of the children. Still, the divorce process is expected to take months to complete given the fine details that will have to be sorted out especially when it comes to the distribution of Chris' estimated $70 million net worth.