- Famed for Her Divorce and Altered Appearance, Wildenstein Passes Away in Paris
- Her Life Spanned Scandals, Extravagance, and a Controversial Legacy
Jocelyne Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite famously dubbed “Catwoman” for her distinctive appearance and tabloid-fueled life, has died at 84. She passed away from a pulmonary embolism in Paris on New Year’s Eve, according to Paris Match. Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed the news, calling her an “icon.”
Wildenstein gained international attention in the 1990s during her high-profile divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. Their tumultuous 21-year marriage ended when Jocelyne discovered Alec in bed with a Russian model. The heated confrontation turned dangerous when Alec reportedly threatened her with a gun.
The divorce became a media spectacle, revealing details of the Wildenstein family’s dysfunction. Jocelyne walked away with a record $2.5 billion settlement but under strict conditions—she could not use the funds for cosmetic surgery.
Her altered appearance during the proceedings earned her the nickname “Bride of Wildenstein,” with rumors that she underwent extensive surgery to resemble a cat—a nod to Alec’s passion for big cats, which began when they met on safari in Kenya.
Despite these claims, Jocelyne consistently denied having major cosmetic procedures. In a 2023 interview, she stated, “I haven’t had plastic surgery… I’m scared of what can happen.” She admitted to trying Botox twice but described her experience as unpleasant and avoided fillers altogether.
Jocelyne’s life remained eventful post-divorce. She began dating Lloyd Klein in 2003, and their relationship saw its share of turmoil. In 2016, she was arrested for allegedly assaulting Klein, though the charges were later dropped. Despite the incident, the pair reconciled and stayed together until her death.
Wildenstein’s financial fortunes waned in later years. Despite her billion-dollar divorce settlement, she filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and lost her Trump Tower apartments shortly thereafter. She candidly admitted to facing financial struggles in interviews, marking a stark contrast to her earlier opulent lifestyle.
Jocelyne Wildenstein leaves behind a legacy of intrigue, scandal, and fascination, a life lived in the spotlight until the very end.
