Chris Rock’s estranged wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, has been under fire recently — thanks to reports claiming that she has allegedly kept a young South African girl in America without legally adopting her. Ntombi-futhi has been living with the Rock family since she was a baby, but the 7-year-old is now a part of a large investigation, according to several sites including TMZ.
But those claims are denied in a new statement released to Us Weekly on behalf of Compton-Rock, 46, by her attorney, David Aronson.
“The tabloid reports are false and outrageous,” Aronson said in the statement. “Malaak has never been contacted about an investigation of any sort. The welfare and livelihood of this child has always been of utmost importance to the entire Rock family. She is in the United States lawfully with the written consent of her biological parents, with whom she continues to have contact. While Malaak has made strides in the adoption, she understands that intercountry adoption is a long and rigorous process, with checks and balances in both countries essential for the protection of children. Malaak again appeals for the privacy of her family.”
In late December 2014, the comedian, 50, and his wife of 18 years announced their plans to divorce. They share daughters Lola, 13, and Zahra, 11.
Rock’s rep tells Us he does not have an adopted child.
