Who is Atila Altaunbay?
Atila Altaunbay, a 46-year-old Turkish Muslim, is renowned for his extraordinary life journey as a bodyguard, model, singer, and actor. Born in Turkey in 1976 into a Muslim family, he was raised in Belgium. He achieved recognition when he became the bodyguard of the prominent Jamaican-American actress, model, and singer Grace Jones.
After completing his schooling in his native city in Turkey, Atila turned his focus to honing other skills. The included CPR, AED, martial arts, and other physical areas related to his job as a bodyguard, spending a brief time on this endeavor.
Atila’s career start can be traced back to Belgium, where he initially served as a pizza delivery boy. He also worked at a security agency until Grace noticed him. His professional opportunities began to take off after he was spotted by the Jamaican-American model.
He was appointed as a bodyguard to Grace Jones and eventually developed feelings for her. Their affection, however, was only for a short time. His relationship with Grace allowed him further opportunities in the entertainment industry, such as modeling and acting in several films.
Atila Altaunbay & Grace Jones’ Relationship
When Grace Beverly Jones and Atila Altaunbay encountered one another in Belgium, she asked him to become her bodyguard. People spoke of Grace and her penchant for dating her bodyguards, yet it seemed her feelings for Atila were more significant as she proposed marriage to him four months later.
On February 24, 1996, the newlyweds pledged their love to one another in an intimate ceremony in a Presbyterian Ministry Area in Rio de Janeiro, with only 50 in attendance. After the joyous event, they went on their honeymoon to New York.
Atila’s decision to marry Grace was contrary to the traditional custom of a Turkish Muslim family. According to the custom, the eldest sibling is supposed to get married first. As the youngest son, this caused a lot of tension between Atila and his relatives.
Atila severed all connections with his family when he was 21 and started a new life in Brazil with his wife, Grace Jones, who was 48. This meant they had a gap of 27 years in their ages. Despite his family’s disapproval, Atila decided to ignore them and go to Brazil with Grace. When they returned to Syracuse, Grace Jones’ father organized a second wedding celebration for them.
Atila Altaunbay did not have any children with Grace. Prior to connecting with Atila, Grace had a child, Paulo Goude, with the French filmmaker, photographer, and designer, Jean-Paul Goude, with whom she has regularly worked together. Paulo Goude entered the world on November 12, 1979, following a seven-year liaison. The name “Paulo” is derived from Portuguese and means “resting place.
Paulo was raised bilingual, speaking both English and French, and his upbringing was split between New York and Paris. He completed his secondary education in the United Kingdom and is passionate about music.
Separation
Eight years after they tied the knot, the couple eventually parted ways without getting a divorce. During a TV interview, Grace openly divulged what had caused their separation. She noted that the tension between them had been mounting for a while, but it was Atila’s outburst that pushed it over the edge and finally ended the relationship.
Grace revealed that Atila Altaunbay was so enraged he made direct threats against her life which was something she couldn’t tolerate. Following the disagreement, Atila suddenly departed from Grace’s home and never came back.
Despite Grace’s attempts to find him, he stayed hidden and never petitioned for a divorce. Both Grace and Atila have been embroiled in some scandals, with his fears and aggressive manner being the key factors.
Where is Atila Altaunbay now?
The mysterious vanishing of Atila Altaunbay from the public eye only increased the gossip, as many speculated he was purposely avoiding the repercussions of his misbehavior. Although the ex-pair had no children of their own, Atila used to behave as the father of Grace Jones’ son from her past relationship. The whereabouts of Atila are unknown, however, there are rumors he has returned to his family.
