As the year comes to an end, so do several celebrity marriages. If you're still recuperating from the news of Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter's split, you may want to stop reading right now. I've got even more bad news: Chris Rock and his wife filed for divorce after almost 20 years of marriage, according to People. In a statement on Sunday, Rock's wife Malaak Compton-Rock explains,
After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways. 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.
Compton-Rock founded a non-profit called styleWorks, which provides styling services to women leaving welfare and entering the workforce. This must be what she's referring to when she speaks of "leading a life of service." Her statement continues,
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.
As for Rock, his attorney Robert S. Cohen issued the following statement:
Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.
Making the news more heartbreaking, Chris and Malaak have two daughters together: Lola Simone, 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10. Back in November during Rock's New York Magazine interview, the comedian talked about his daughters and how he'd rather spend time with them than traveling and touring.
I’d still rather go to my daughter’s basketball game. Lola scored seven points on Sunday! Got a couple rebounds. Playing Radio City would not be as fun as watching my daughter hit a three.
This proves that no matter what happens, the children remain at the center of his life too. Regardless, it's sad, sad news! Especially around the holidays.
Image: Getty Images
