Chris Rock Files for Divorce From Wife, Malaak Compton-Rock
The duo are parents to two daughters and will "focus on their family."
— -- After almost two decades together, Chris Rock, 49, and his wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, are divorcing, ABC News has confirmed through the comedian's attorney.
“Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak," the "Top Five" star's lawyer, Robert Cohen, told ABC News. "This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.”
The couple are parents to two daughters -- Lola Simone, 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10.
Compton-Rock told People magazine that the choice to split was one that took a lot of thought and wasn't a spur of the moment decision.
"After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways," she told the magazine. "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."
Compton-Rock, who married the famed comedian in 1996, is a philanthropist and founder of the nonprofit organization styleWorks, which helps women to obtain employment after welfare.
Rock's rep did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
