Why did Chris Rock get divorced? His infidelity discussed

Chris Rock was his usual humorous self during his live Netflix comedy special Selective Outrage. Rock joked about racism, relationships, America’s divided political climate, and that infamous Will Smith slap at the 2022 Oscar Awards. Rock received a standing ovation, but as has become commonplace after big stand-up comedy performances, the comedian’s jokes have attracted criticism.

The comedian’s ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, occasionally features in Rock’s comedy routines. In Selective Outrage, Rock said that he learned not to argue with Malaak about lawyers because the last time he did, he lost his house in a costly divorce settlement. 

Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock divorced because he cheated

After nearly two decades of marriage, Rock and Malaak announced their divorce. Malaak’s statement read:

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

Malaak and Rock worked on their divorce in secret, finalizing it in 2016. The comedian later revealed that infidelity led to the marriage’s breakdown. In a 2018 comedy special, Rock admitted to cheating repeatedly and struggling with porn addiction. He said:

“When guys cheat, it’s like we want something new. But then you know what happens? Your woman finds out and now she’s new. She is never the same again. So now you have new, but you had a bad new.”

Rock said he was entirely to blame for the divorce. He told Rolling Stone he thought that fame would help him avoid the repercussions of cheating. 

“That actually goes the other way,” Rock stated. “My faults are magnified. Your significant other, if they really love you, has a high opinion of you. And you let them down.”

Rock said he avoids talking about his ex-wife and the details of their separation. “It’s not fair,” he said. “I have a mic, she doesn’t.” However, Rock has revealed that he lost a lot of money in the divorce. The comedian told Jimmy Fallon that Malaak’s wife was so good he recommended him to John Mulaney during his divorce. He said:

“Mulaney’s getting divorced. This is how bad… this is how much money I lost in my divorce. I recommended my ex-wife’s divorce lawyer. I was like, ‘You should get this guy. He’ll get you your money. This guy is good.’ I walked out with nothing.”