Atila Altaunbay? Everything to Know About Grace Jones

Despite being largely absent from the public eye, Atila Altaunbay gained global curiosity when he married the iconic and flamboyant Jamaican-American singer, model, and actress Grace Jones. Their relationship—seemingly a clash of cultures, ages, and personalities—sparked intense media attention during the late 1990s. While Grace Jones has always been a towering figure in fashion, music, and film, Atila Altaunbay remained an enigma—shielded by privacy, mystery, and very limited public records.

This article explores everything known (and newly uncovered) about Atila Altaunbay, his background, the dynamic between him and Grace Jones, and where he might be today.

Quick Bio: Atila Altaunbay

Who Is Atila Altaunbay?

Atila Altaunbay is a Turkish-born former bodyguard who rose to sudden media attention in the mid-1990s after marrying Grace Jones—a pop culture legend best known for her bold style, powerful stage presence, and genre-defying music. Born in Turkey and raised in Belgium, Atila maintained a modest life until he was employed as part of Jones’s security team.

His background is still clouded in mystery, largely due to his avoidance of public life and media. However, several verified sources have indicated that Atila was born into a conservative Muslim family, which contributed to cultural tension during and after his relationship with Grace Jones.

The Love Story That Shocked the World

Grace Jones, known for defying norms in every possible way, surprised fans yet again when she married her younger bodyguard, Atila Altaunbay, in a private ceremony in 1996. At the time, she was nearly 20 years older than him. The pair had met while he was assigned to her personal protection team during a European tour.

The marriage was unconventional not just because of the age gap, but also due to cultural, religious, and lifestyle differences. Altaunbay, coming from a traditional Turkish background, was paired with one of the most avant-garde women in pop culture history.

Cultural Tensions and Family Rejection

One of the lesser-known yet critical aspects of their marriage was that Atila Altaunbay’s family did not approve of the union. According to interviews from Grace Jones, Atila’s family were strictly Muslim and did not want him to marry outside of their culture or religion—especially someone as controversial and outspoken as Grace.

In fact, it was reported that he was “exiled” by his family for marrying her, a decision that reportedly took an emotional toll on him. He chose Grace over his family, but it wasn’t without long-lasting consequences on his personal identity and emotional well-being.

Was Atila Altaunbay Really a Bodyguard?

Contrary to the mainstream narrative, some sources suggest that Atila may not have had formal training as a bodyguard. Instead, he was reportedly a singer and aspiring performer before taking up the role to earn a living. This adds another layer to his story—a man perhaps caught between artistic dreams and the practicalities of life, who ended up in a high-profile relationship that shifted his entire path.

Life With Grace Jones

While married, Atila lived a lavish but private lifestyle. The couple traveled extensively, often residing between homes in Jamaica, New York, and Europe. Grace Jones, in her memoir “I’ll Never Write My Memoirs”, noted that Atila was intensely private, respectful, and preferred a low-profile existence.

However, cultural differences did create tension. She recounted how disagreements could escalate quickly due to misunderstandings and differences in background. Their intense love was matched by equally intense clashes.

The Physical Altercation That Ended It All

One of the most dramatic revelations in Jones’s memoir was that their relationship ended after an intense argument turned physical. Atila, reportedly pushed to his limits during a heated dispute, allegedly pulled a knife on her, although no one was hurt. This confrontation marked the beginning of the end of their relationship.

While the pair separated soon after, there is no public record of a formal divorce, leading many to speculate that they may still be legally married.

Why They Never Divorced

The question remains: why didn’t they get divorced? Grace Jones has never provided a clear answer, though many speculate that it could be due to religious, legal, or financial complications. Since Atila vanished from public life shortly after their separation, it’s possible that the legal status of their marriage remains untouched simply because neither party pursued the paperwork.

Atila Altaunbay After the Breakup

Post-breakup, Atila Altaunbay essentially disappeared from public view. While there are rumors that he returned to Europe and possibly resumed a normal civilian life, no confirmed sightings, interviews, or social media presence exist.

This absence has only deepened the public’s fascination with him. Some believe he changed his name or moved to a secluded region to escape the spotlight forever.

Was He Ever in the Entertainment Industry?

Though Atila never pursued fame, reports suggest he had musical talents, and was an occasional singer before becoming a bodyguard. In Grace Jones’s circle, it wouldn’t be unusual for creative people to cross paths, so it’s possible he once harbored dreams of performing professionally—though they were likely set aside after entering her world.

Is He Still Alive?

As of 2025, there is no confirmed information about Atila Altaunbay’s death, suggesting that he is likely still alive and living privately. The lack of public records, obituaries, or media coverage supports the theory that he has successfully removed himself from public life entirely.

The Lasting Mystery of Atila Altaunbay

While celebrities often seek the spotlight, Atila’s story is a rare example of someone who was pulled into fame unwillingly and made every effort to return to anonymity. His story is not just about his relationship with Grace Jones, but also about cultural identity, love, and personal limits.

Why He Still Fascinates the Public

People remain fascinated by Atila Altaunbay not just because of his connection to Grace Jones, but because of the contrast between the two. Their story is one of love across boundaries—age, religion, culture, and fame—and how those pressures ultimately caused a retreat into silence.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Atila Altaunbay remains a symbol of privacy in a world of oversharing. His story reminds us that even in the age of internet transparency, some individuals manage to maintain total control over their personal narrative. Whether he ever speaks out or remains silent, his place in pop culture history is secure—as the man who once stood beside the incomparable Grace Jones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Atila Altaunbay and how did he meet Grace Jones?

Atila Altaunbay is a Turkish-born, Belgian-raised man who once worked as a bodyguard. He met Grace Jones while working on her security detail in the mid-1990s. Despite a significant age gap and cultural differences, the two fell in love and married privately in 1996. Their meeting was as unexpected as it was transformative—changing the course of Atila’s life forever.

2. Why is so little known about Atila Altaunbay today?

After his separation from Grace Jones, Atila deliberately stepped out of the public eye. Unlike most celebrity exes, he never gave interviews, wrote memoirs, or appeared in public again. It’s speculated that he returned to Europe and resumed a private life. His complete avoidance of modern digital footprints suggests a deep commitment to personal privacy.

3. Did cultural or religious differences cause problems in their marriage?

Yes, cultural and religious differences were significant challenges in their relationship. Atila came from a traditional Muslim background, while Grace Jones represented a free-spirited and often controversial artistic life. His family reportedly disowned him for marrying outside the faith, adding emotional strain. These issues, compounded by personality clashes, eventually led to their separation.

4. Is Atila Altaunbay still married to Grace Jones?

There is no public record of a formal divorce between Atila and Grace Jones. This has led to speculation that they may technically still be married. Grace herself has acknowledged the split but has not confirmed any legal divorce proceedings, leaving their marital status ambiguous.

5. What does Atila Altaunbay do now?

There is no confirmed profession or occupation for Atila Altaunbay in recent years. Given his absence from public and social media platforms, it is assumed that he lives a low-profile life somewhere in Europe, possibly under a different name. His complete retreat from fame has only intensified public curiosity.