Hollywood Divorce: Chris Rock & Wife End After 19 Years
Chris Rock’s marriage is kaput — he’s filed to divorce his wife of nearly 20 years. Malaak Compton-Rock released a statement Sunday to People saying, “After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways.”
Reports TMZ:
She adds, “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.”
Rock’s lawyer confirmed he’s already filed docs.
The 49 year-old comedian and his wife got married in 1996. They have two daughters — 12 year-old Lola Simone and 10 year-old Zahra Savannah
In divorce docs, filed in NJ last Tuesday — and obtained by TMZ — Rock complains that Malaak has been preventing him from seeing their 2 daughters on a regular basis. He is asking for shared legal and physical custody. Chris Rock wants to make sure his now estranged wife doesn’t punish him for divorcing her … by keeping their kids away from him.
As for finances … Rock acknowledges they had a prenup when they married in 1996 — but says it’s expired because they’ve been together for just over 18 years.
The split has been in the works for at least a month. In the docs, Rock says back in November they identified all the community property to be split up once they divorce.
Interestingly … Rock points out Malaak has the “ability to work and contribute to her own support” — which sounds like he’s angling to reduce any spousal support payments
