Chris Rock Hilariously Roasts Own Divorce During Prestigious Awards Ceremony

Comedian Chris Rock turned a high-profile awards show into a comedy set. He made sharp jokes about his costly divorce. The event was the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards in New York City on October 29.

Rock presented an award to singer Billie Eilish. He used the moment to contrast her charitable donations with his own financial reality. His self-deprecating humor drew laughs from the audience at the Museum of Modern Art.

Rock’s Financial Punchlines Draw on Real-Life Experience

Rock joked that Eilish was giving tour money to charity. He said his own tour earnings would go to a different cause. That cause was his ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock.

“I lost so much money in my divorce,” Rock stated bluntly. He even recommended his ex-wife’s attorney to friends. The line landed perfectly with the crowd.

This is not a new bit for the veteran comedian. According to entertainment reports, he has joked about this lawyer before. In 2021, he told a talk show he advised fellow comedian John Mulaney to hire the same attorney.

A Career Built on Turning Pain into Comedy

The jokes stem from Rock’s very public divorce. He and Malaak Compton-Rock were married for nearly two decades. They finalized their split in 2016 after separating two years earlier.

Rock has consistently mined his personal life for material. His recent stand-up specials addressed other sensitive topics head-on. This ability to find humor in hardship remains central to his appeal.

Fans and critics often praise this authentic approach. It transforms personal setbacks into relatable comedy. The Wall Street Journal event was just the latest stage for this signature style.

Chris Rock’s divorce jokes highlight his unique comedic voice. He turns personal financial pain into universal punchlines. The comedian proves that the best material often comes from real life.

Thought you’d like to know

Why does Chris Rock joke about his divorce?

Rock uses his divorce as classic comedic material. He transforms personal financial loss into relatable, humorous observations. This self-deprecation is a hallmark of his stand-up career.

Who is Chris Rock’s ex-wife?

Chris Rock was married to Malaak Compton-Rock, a philanthropist and author. They were married from 1996 until their divorce was finalized in 2016. The couple shares two daughters.

What was the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards?

The event honors groundbreaking leaders in various industries like technology and entertainment. The 2025 ceremony was held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Billie Eilish was honored for her innovations in music and philanthropy.

Has Rock joked about this topic before?

Yes, he has referenced his divorce and lawyer in previous interviews and stand-up routines. He famously joked about it on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in 2021. It has become a recurring theme in his recent work.

What is the public reaction to his jokes?

Audience reaction is generally positive, appreciating his candid and self-aware humor. The jokes are seen as a way to process a public personal event. They reinforce his image as a comedian who holds nothing back.