Hollywood is a funny place. One day you’re costars playing a game of "will they, won't they" on screen, and the next, you're the subject of a decade-old mystery that resurfaces every time a comedian gets honest on stage. The connection between Chris Rock and Kerry Washington is one of those industry stories that feels like it belongs in an episode of Scandal, ironically enough.
Most people remember them from the 2007 film I Think I Love My Wife. It’s a movie about a man tempted to stray from his stable, suburban life by a high-energy, beautiful woman from his past. But for years, rumors have swirled that the chemistry wasn't just movie magic. It wasn't just good acting.
The Movie That Started the Rumors
Let’s go back to 2007. Chris Rock wasn't just the star of I Think I Love My Wife; he directed it and co-wrote it with Louis C.K. It was a remake of a French film, Chloe in the Afternoon, and it cast Washington as Nikki, the ultimate temptress.
Kerry was already a rising star, but this was before the world knew her as Olivia Pope. In the film, she is vibrant, chaotic, and—honestly—the exact opposite of Rock’s on-screen wife, played by Gina Torres. During the press tour, Rock was incredibly vocal about her talent. He famously told reporters that Kerry was "the best actress working today." High praise? Sure. But in hindsight, fans started looking at those interviews a little differently.
There’s this specific clip from a Fox Movie Channel casting session where Rock admits he and Kerry had "really good chemistry" because they had worked together before. They had a small connection in the 2002 spy thriller Bad Company. By the time 2007 rolled around, the comfort level was high. Maybe a little too high, according to the tabloids.
The 2017 Bombshell
For about ten years, the story was just a footnote. Then came Rock's 2017 Total Blackout tour and his subsequent Netflix special, Tamborine.
Rock was surprisingly raw. He admitted to being unfaithful to his then-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock. He didn't just say he cheated; he said he cheated with three women—one of whom he described as "famous." He talked about his ego, how he thought he could get away with anything because he was the breadwinner, and how his behavior eventually blew up his marriage.
The internet did what the internet does.
Immediately, "Page Six" and other outlets cited sources claiming that the famous woman was none other than Kerry Washington. The report suggested they had an affair for about six months during the filming of I Think I Love My Wife. At the time, Washington was engaged to actor David Moscow.
Why the Story Stuck
Why do we still talk about this? Basically, it’s the irony.
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The movie they were filming was literally about a man trying not to cheat on his wife with Kerry Washington's character. If the rumors are true, the real-life plot was the exact opposite of the movie’s ending.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
- No Official Confirmation: Neither Kerry Washington nor Chris Rock has ever confirmed an affair. Washington is notoriously private about her personal life. She married Nnamdi Asomugha in a secret ceremony in 2013 and rarely discusses her past relationships.
- The "On a Break" Defense: Some sources close to Rock at the time claimed that he and Malaak were actually separated or "on a break" during that period. If that’s true, the word "cheating" gets a lot more complicated.
- The Stand-up Persona: Rock is a comedian. He exaggerates for effect. While he was clearly being vulnerable about his divorce, he’s also a master of building a narrative that gets people talking.
Kerry Washington and Chris Rock Today
Fast forward to now. The dust has mostly settled.
Kerry has built an empire. From Scandal to her production company, Simpson Street, she’s one of the most powerful women in Hollywood. She’s an advocate, a director, and a mother. She doesn't look back, and she definitely doesn't comment on twenty-year-old rumors.
Rock has also moved on, though his personal life remains more of a public conversation, especially after the 2022 Oscars incident. But even then, the two seem to maintain a professional respect. In 2024, Washington shared a lighthearted story on Late Night with Seth Meyers about her parents being extras in a movie with her and Chris, showing that there isn't exactly bad blood—or at least, they’ve reached a point of professional peace.
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The Reality of the "Chemistry"
When you watch I Think I Love My Wife today, the tension is palpable. Whether that was fueled by a real-life spark or just two incredible actors doing their jobs is something we might never truly know.
What we do know is that both performers were at pivotal points in their careers. For Rock, it was an attempt to be a "serious" romantic lead and director. For Washington, it was a chance to show a sultry, comedic side before becoming the face of network drama.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Buffs
If you’re looking to understand the dynamic better, don’t just rely on the gossip. Look at the work.
- Watch the Interviews: Look for the 2007 press junkets on YouTube. The way Rock talks about Washington’s "subtle sexiness" is a masterclass in how directors sometimes fall a little bit in love with their leading ladies (professionally or otherwise).
- Context Matters: Remember that the "admission" of cheating came during a time of extreme self-reflection for Rock. It was part of a larger conversation about the pitfalls of fame and the "God complex" that comes with it.
- Respect the Privacy: Both have moved into entirely different phases of their lives. Washington’s memoir, Thicker than Water, covers a lot of her life but stays focused on her journey of self-discovery rather than tabloid fodder.
Ultimately, the "scandal" (pun intended) serves as a reminder that Hollywood is a small circle. People work together, they form intense bonds in the bubble of a film set, and sometimes, those bonds get messy. Whether it was a full-blown affair or just a case of intense "method acting," it remains one of the most talked-about "what-if" stories in modern celebrity history.
To see the chemistry for yourself, you can usually find I Think I Love My Wife on most major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Hulu. Watching it with the benefit of hindsight definitely makes the dialogue hit a little differently.
Next Steps for You:
Check out Kerry Washington's 2023 memoir, "Thicker than Water," for a deeper look at her actual life behind the scenes. While she doesn't dish on the Rock rumors, she gives a fascinating account of her early days in Hollywood and the pressures of being a young actress in the spotlight.