Chris Rock’s ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, is denying reports that claim she is being investigated for housing a child illegally in the United States.
In a new statement to PEOPLE released by her lawyer, David Aronson of Aronson, Mayefsky & Sloan, Compton-Rock, 46, maintains that the young girl, Ntombi, 7, is in the U.S. legally, and with the consent of her birth parents in South Africa.
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“The tabloid reports are false and outrageous. 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,” the statement reads.
“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,” the statement adds. “Malaak again appeals for the privacy of her family.”
A source with knowledge of the situation adds that not only is the child in the country legally, but that both Rock and his ex-wife have met the birth parents on numerous occasions.
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