Chris Rock likes to be upfront with people, particularly in his comedy. During his first stand-up special in 10 years, Chris Rock: Tamborine, released today on Netflix, Rock spoke candidly about his recent infidelities, resulting in his separation with Malaak Compton, his wife of 18 years. The comedian knows that he messed up, big time, and he's not letting himself off the hook for this one. Here's what he had to say about his cheating. Forewarning: In typical Rock fashion, the comedian doesn't censor himself with his thoughts on the matter.
The last few years have been crazy for me... You don't wanna get divorced. You got somebody you love, hold tight. Commit... It's fucked up. 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 have a bad new. Some of these lessons you've just got to learn. Like, I brought this shit on myself; nobody told me to go ho up. I brought this shit on myself, and you've got to learn some lessons -- some man lessons.
Chris Rock is referring to the three women he slept with on the road. Rock blames his ego and cockiness for his actions and deceit. The actor got hot-headed, he confesses, believing that he could sleep around with other women and not suffer the consequences because of his fame. He learned the hard way that it's not true. Rock and Compton were separated in 2014, with the divorce finalized in 2016. The comedian continued discussing this matter by saying the following,
It's my fault, because I'm a fucking asshole. I didn't listen. I wasn't kind. I had an attitude, I thought, 'I pay for everything, [so] I can do what I want.' That shit don't fucking work! I just thought I was the shit.
Rock's comments in this newly-minted special are similar to the ones he shared earlier this year. Previously, the Top Five actor-writer-director was even more forthcoming about his feelings on this matter, telling Rolling Stone that he wouldn't get married again even if "it would cure AIDS" and saying that it's a lot easier for men to be faithful "when no one wants to fuck you." Never let it be said that Chris Rock is afraid to be blunt.
Tamborine serves as one of two stand-up specials Chris Rock agreed to make with Netflix in a $40 million deal. There's no word yet on when the second special is set to air. Additionally, the actor also appears alongside Adam Sandler in The Week Of, the new Netflix comedy set to be released on April 27th.
Directed by fellow comedian Bo Burnham (who recently released his directorial debut, Eighth Grade, to warm reviews at the cold Sundance Film Festival), the newly streamable special also delves into Rock's porn addictions and custody woes. Like we said, it gets real. The 53-year-old also talks about his ongoing struggles with getting back into the dating game, including how forgets "how old" he is and a funny aside involving his interaction with Rihanna. It's an introspective hour of comedy, that's for certain. And you can watch it now on Netflix. Happy Valentine's Day.
