Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock divorced after 19 years, 9 months of marriage. The settlement was reportedly about $40M. See the full timeline.
Figures are reported estimates. Last updated Oct 2026.
Rock joked about the divorce extensively in his Netflix special Tamborine.
Chris Rock, the stand-up comedian and actor, and Malaak Compton-Rock, a social activist and the founder of the charity Journey for Change, met in 1996 at an event in New York and married on 23 November 1996. The couple had two daughters, Lola and Zahra. Compton-Rock was a former public relations executive who became involved in charity work, and the couple lived in New Jersey. Their marriage lasted nearly 20 years, and Rock's comedy often drew on their family life.
Rock's wealth came from stand-up specials, such as Bring the Pain and Never Scared, and from films like Madagascar and Grown Ups. He also hosted the Academy Awards in 2005 and 2016 and created the television series Everybody Hates Chris. He earned tens of millions of dollars from his stand-up tours, and in 2018 he signed a reported $40 million deal with Netflix for two specials. Most of this wealth was earned during the marriage.
The couple were together for almost 20 years before Compton-Rock filed for divorce in December 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. Rock had spoken publicly about his infidelity, and the divorce was finalized in August 2016. The proceedings involved a dispute about custody and financial arrangements. Rock later had relationships with several women and became a popular figure on the comedy circuit, with his show Selective Outrage in 2023.
Reports said that Compton-Rock was set to receive about $40 million in the settlement, although the exact amount was not published. A judge ordered Rock to pay child support of around $30,000 a month, which was increased later. The couple shared custody of their daughters, and Compton-Rock kept the family's home. The divorce was resolved in a private agreement in New Jersey.
In New Jersey, assets built during a marriage are subject to equitable distribution, and Rock's income during the 20 years was very large. Compton-Rock had given up a career in public relations in order to raise the children and had run the household while Rock toured. The length of the marriage and the couple's comfortable lifestyle supported a high settlement.
Rock's career carried on without interruption. He signed a Netflix deal, starred in the series Fargo, and directed the film Top Five. His 2023 Netflix live special was a major event. Compton-Rock continued her charity work, and the two remained co-parents. The divorce had no significant effect on Rock's businesses.
The Rock divorce falls in the mid-range of comedian settlements, comparable in size with Kelsey Grammer's. Like Grammer's, it was a long marriage to a television and stand-up star, and the payment reflected a share of earnings across many years. It contrasts with the larger cases involving tycoons, in which businesses were divided.
Rock's stand-up specials often included jokes about marriage. Compton-Rock has written about her experience of the divorce. The couple's two daughters have appeared with Rock at events. The reported $40 million figure is an estimate.
Malaak Compton-Rock's reported settlement was about $40 million.
They married in 1996 and divorced in 2016, a marriage of roughly 20 years.
No prenuptial agreement was reported.
Yes, the family is reported to include 2 children.
Reported assets include: New Jersey home, entertainment rights, cash.
In New Jersey, assets built during a marriage are subject to equitable distribution, and Rock's income during the 20 years was very large. Compton-Rock had given up a career in public relations in order to raise the children and had run the household while Rock toured.