Chris Rock Files For Divorce From Wife Of 19 Years

Chris Rock and his wife of 19 years, Malaak Compton-Rock, have called it quits. Rock’s attorney, Robert S. Cohen, released a statement to HipHollywood confirming that the comedian has filed for divorce from the philanthropist and StyleWorks founder.

“This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.”

Malaak also confirmed the news in a statement to People magazine on Sunday that read:

“After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways,” she wrote. “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. 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.”

An insider all tells the publication that “this was a long time coming. Chris has known it wasn’t salvageable for a while. He was the one to file because he knew it was time to just move forward already.” There are also reports that the couple had been living “separate lives for some time.”

Chris and Malaak married in November of 1996. The couple and their two children, Lola Simone 12, and Zahra Savannah, 1o reside in Alpine, New Jersey.