"Catwoman" Socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein Dead at 84

Source: John Lamparski / Getty

New York socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, famously known as the “Catwoman” for her feline-inspired plastic surgeries, has passed away.

Wildenstein died at 84 from a pulmonary embolism in Paris on New Years Eve, according to a Parisian news site. Her partner, Lloyd Klein, also confirmed her death with French news AFP stating that she suffered from “phlebitis”, a vein inflammation that likely contributed to her condition. Klein told People that they had just done a happy hour and were “taking a nap” ahead of NYE celebrations. She did not wake up.

She is survived by her two children and Klein, who had been working with her on a documentary about her life.

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Life in the Fast Lane

Born in Lausanne, Switzerland, Jocelyn (Jocelyne) Wildenstein became a media sensation in the 1990s during her high-profile divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. The couple married in 1978 and spent two decades building one of America’s largest private art collections. They lived a lavish lifestyle, reportedly spending $1 million monthly, and shared two children. However, their union ended dramatically when Jocelyn claimed to have caught another woman in their bed with Alec. The divorce was finalized in 1999 and awarded Jocelyn $2.5 billion plus $100 million annually for 13 years.

Source: Jocelyn Wildenstein / Instagram

Despite the hefty settlement, Jocelyn declared bankruptcy in 2018 claiming to have $0 in her accounts.

Mostly known for her dramatic facial surgeries, Jocelyn started with an eye lift in the 70s. Many assume the work was inspired by her love for lynx cats, which she kept as pets. She denied undergoing as many procedures as the media claims and alleged her ex-husband created narratives about her surgeries to gain leverage in the divorce. “He hired a publicist and a plastic surgeon to claim I completely changed my face,” Jocelyn said.

After her divorce, Jocelyn began dating fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2003. Their relationship faced public scrutiny, including a 2016 incident where Jocelyn was arrested for slashing Klein with scissors. The couple reconciled and announced their engagement in 2017.

Jocelyn Wildenstein contributed to ecological and educational efforts on the Wildenstein family ranch in Kenya. She says the estate was roughly 80,000 acres and housed over 2,000 protected animals.

Source: Jocelyn Wildenstein / Instagram

Jocelyn’s passing marks the end of a life filled with public intrigue, opulence, and controversy.

Watch Jocelyn’s last interview:

“Catwoman” Socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein Dead at 84  was originally published on thebuzzcincy.com