Who Is Chris Rock’s Ex-Wife Malaak Compton-Rock and Why Did They Split?
- Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock had an 18-year marriage.
- Their split involved complex family and financial issues.
- Both have moved on, finding new relationships and happiness.
Chris Rock, the comedy legend we all know, was once married to Malaak Compton-Rock. Their relationship was a whirlwind that lasted almost twenty years. Rock brought the laughs and charm, while Compton-Rock focused on her humanitarian work.
But things eventually fell apart, leading to a messy and public breakup. Fans were left curious about what really happened between them.
The divorce involved a lot of legal drama and custody discussions about their two daughters, which just added to the chaos. So, who’s Rock’s ex-wife? Here’s the tea on Malaak Compton-Rock – mom, activist, and author.
Who is Malaak Compton-Rock?
Malaak Compton-Rock is much more than just Chris Rock’s ex-wife—she’s a dynamic force in her own right. She met Rock at the Essence Awards in 1994 and quickly became a significant support in his life.
With a B.A. from Howard University and an M.A. from St. John’s University, she has a strong academic background. Compton-Rock started her career as a publicist before shifting her focus to humanitarian work with UNICEF.
In 2008, she founded the Angelrock Project, focusing on empowering women and underserved youth. She’s the queen of giving back, proving that life is about serving others. And she’s not done yet!
When Did Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock Get Married?
The ex-couple tied the knot on November 23, 1996. Rock told Ebony magazine via Buzzfeed, “She’s changed me. She’s really calmed me down and centered my life.” They seemed like the perfect match, and Rock even opened up about the perks of being married.
“The best part is just having a partner,” he told reporters at the premiere, according to People. With their two daughters, Lola and Zahra, the family looked picture-perfect. But behind the smiles, cracks were forming, and life wasn’t all laughs.
How Many Kids Does Chris Rock Have with His Ex-Wife?
In a June 2002 interview with O, The Oprah Magazine, Rock talked about how the 9/11 attacks made him want to be a dad. He reflected, “I said to myself, ‘The world’s falling down, and what have I done with my life?'” The star added:
We’ve been married five years, but we’ve never planned anything — it has always been about today. After September 11, I said, ‘It’s time. Let’s have a baby.’
The two welcomed their first daughter, Lola Simon, on June 28, 2002, followed by Zahra Savannah on May 22, 2004. Fast forward, and their girls are now in college. They also adopted another daughter, Ntombi, from South Africa.
When Did Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock Split?
After nearly 20 years together, they announced their split in December 2014. Compton-Rock stated in a statement via People, “After much contemplation, we have decided to go our separate ways.” A source claimed Rock knew it was time to move on.
The divorce wasn’t a walk in the park—it involved discussions about child support, especially for Ntombi, complicating things further. It was messy, but they tried to keep it about the kids. The divorce was finalized in August 2016, but not without some legal drama.
Rock claimed he was only responsible for Lola and Zahra, while Compton-Rock insisted that Ntombi was also part of their family.
Their disagreement over finances made headlines, showcasing that even stars can have down-to-earth issues. Despite the turbulence, Compton-Rock focused on her daughters, emphasizing their well-being above all else.
Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock’s New Beginnings
After the split, both found new love. Chris Rock was linked to actress Lake Bell, spotted sharing laughs. They first got linked in summer 2022 after being spotted leaving Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, where they were reportedly holding hands.
They also grabbed brunch at Coast Restaurant the next day. Before that, they were seen chilling at a St. Louis Cardinals game in June. Meanwhile, Compton-Rock is happily in a relationship with a mystery man, sharing sweet posts on Instagram. Love may have fizzled out between them, but both seem to have found their groove again.
