Chris Rock divorce: Comedian to separate from Malaak Compton-Rock after 19 years of marriage

The couple have two children and have asked for privacy for their family

The US comedian Chris Rock

The comedian Chris Rock is to divorce his wife Malaak Compton-Rock after nearly 20 years of marriage. The couple, who live in New Jersey, have two children together, Lola Simone, 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10. They have been married for 19 years.

The Grown Ups star's attorney announced the split in a statement on Sunday.

“Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak,” the statement read. “This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.”

Rock, 49, met his wife in 1993.

Compton-Rock, a philanthropist, also released a statement confirming the split: “After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways,” she said.

“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.”

She continued, “While recognising 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.”