Who is Atila Altaunbay?
Atila Altaunbay is primarily known for his brief but tumultuous marriage to the iconic artist Grace Jones. Born in 1976 in Turkey, Altaunbay had a unique upbringing, spending much of his youth in Belgium before eventually crossing paths with the international superstar.
Despite the public fascination surrounding his relationship with Jones, details about Altaunbay’s early life and background remain somewhat elusive. What is known is that he grew up in a traditional Turkish Muslim family, which would later play a significant role in the challenges he faced after marrying outside of his culture.
Altaunbay’s Early Career
Prior to his relationship with Grace Jones, Altaunbay had a varied career path. He worked a number of jobs, including a stint as a pizza delivery driver in Belgium. However, Altaunbay’s imposing physical presence eventually led him to a career as a bodyguard, a role that would ultimately connect him with his future wife.
In addition to his work in security, Altaunbay also demonstrated other talents. He was known to have a remarkable singing voice, performing at weddings and other events. His interests also extended to modeling and acting, although the details of his involvement in these areas are not well-documented.
The Relationship Between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones
The relationship between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones was one that captured the public’s attention due to the significant age and cultural differences between the two. The couple first met in Belgium, where the young Altaunbay was working as a bodyguard and caught the eye of the established artist.
Despite the 27-year age gap, with Altaunbay being significantly younger than Jones, the two began a romantic relationship. In 1996, the couple married in a private ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, with Jones being the one to propose.
Challenges Faced in the Marriage
Atila Altaunbay’s decision to marry outside of his traditional Turkish Muslim family led to significant challenges. As the youngest son, his culture dictated that he could not marry until his older brothers had done so. By marrying Jones, Altaunbay defied these norms, leading to a complete severing of ties with his family.
The couple’s relationship also faced public scrutiny due to their stark age difference and cultural backgrounds. They attempted to keep their union private, but their status as public figures made this difficult.
The Decline and End of the Marriage
Over time, the relationship between Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones began to experience tensions, often fueled by Altaunbay’s territorial behavior. The turning point came in 2004 when, during an argument, Altaunbay threatened Jones with a knife, a violent incident that ultimately marked the end of their marriage.
Despite the separation, the couple never officially divorced, as Jones was unable to locate Altaunbay to complete the legal process. This left his marital status in a legal and emotional gray area, which Jones has since managed to overcome with the support of her family.
Atila Altaunbay’s Mysterious Disappearance
After the dissolution of his marriage to Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay has largely disappeared from public view. It is speculated that he may have returned to his roots in Turkey, but details about his current whereabouts and activities remain elusive.
Unlike his former wife, who continued to maintain a prominent public presence, Altaunbay has not participated in any public events or maintained an active social media presence. This has led to a sense of mystery surrounding his life after the end of his high-profile relationship.
Estimates of Atila Altaunbay’s Net Worth
Given the limited information available about Atila Altaunbay’s current status, estimates of his net worth are largely speculative. However, some sources suggest that his net worth could be around $800,000.
This calculation is based on his previous career as a bodyguard and the potential income he may have earned from other pursuits, such as his work in modeling and music. It’s important to note that these figures are not supported by concrete financial information, as Altaunbay’s post-divorce life has been kept largely private.
The Father of Grace Jones’ Child
While Atila Altaunbay and Grace Jones did not have children together, the artist’s son, Paulo Goude, was born in 1979 from a previous relationship with French graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, and music video director, Jean-Paul Goude.
Goude and Jones had a romantic and professional partnership, with Goude playing a significant role in shaping Jones’ iconic visual style and aesthetic. The collaboration between the two creatives remains one of the most memorable and influential in the entertainment industry.
The Continued Legacy of Grace Jones
After her relationship with Atila Altaunbay, Grace Jones has continued to be a prominent and influential figure in popular culture. Her musical career has thrived, with her unique blend of genres, including reggae, funk, new wave, and pop, solidifying her status as an avant-garde artist.
Jones has also left her mark in the realm of cinema, with memorable performances in films such as “Conan the Destroyer” and “A View to a Kill.” Her work has been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards, including the Saturn Awards.
Beyond her music and film career, Grace Jones has been an inspirational figure in the worlds of art and fashion, influencing cross-dressing movements and serving as a muse for renowned contemporary artists. Her cultural impact has been so significant that she has been honored with the Q Idol Award in 2008 and the Order of Jamaica in 2016, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the arts.
FAQ
What happened to Atila Altaunbay after his divorce from Grace Jones?
After the dissolution of his marriage to Grace Jones, Atila Altaunbay largely retreated from the public eye. He has not maintained an active presence in the media or on social media, and his current whereabouts remain a mystery. It is speculated that he may have returned to his roots in Turkey, but concrete details about his life after the divorce are scarce.
How much was Atila Altaunbay’s net worth?
Estimates of Atila Altaunbay’s net worth vary, but some sources suggest it could be around $800,000. This calculation is based on his previous career as a bodyguard and other potential income he may have earned, including from his work in modeling and music. However, these figures are speculative, as Altaunbay’s financial details have been kept largely private since his separation from Grace Jones.
Who is the father of Grace Jones’ child?
The father of Grace Jones’ child, Paulo Goude, is Jean-Paul Goude, a renowned French graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, and music video director. Goude and Jones had a romantic relationship in the 1980s, during which their son was born. The collaboration between Goude and Jones was not only romantic but also professional, with Goude playing a significant role in shaping Jones’ iconic visual style and aesthetic.
What happened to Grace Jones’ life after her divorce from Atila Altaunbay?
After her relationship with Atila Altaunbay, Grace Jones has continued to be a prominent and influential figure in popular culture. Her musical career has thrived, with her unique blend of genres solidifying her status as an avant-garde artist. Jones has also maintained a successful acting career, with memorable performances in films. Beyond her work in the entertainment industry, she has been an inspirational figure in the worlds of art and fashion, and has been recognized with prestigious awards for her contributions to the arts.