Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Notorious 'Catwoman,' Passes Away at 84
Jocelyn Wildenstein, the socialite famously known as "Catwoman," has died at the age of 84. The Swiss-born socialite, who became a household name due to her extreme cosmetic surgery procedures aimed at resembling a feline, passed away on Tuesday in Paris from a pulmonary embolism. Reports indicate that she was at a Parisian palace when she died, a location that had become a symbol of her extravagant lifestyle.
Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, expressed his sorrow, stating, "Her partner Lloyd Klein is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris," as shared through AFP. Just weeks prior, on December 18, Jocelyn was seen looking healthy and vibrant while out with Klein in Paris, dressed in a fur jacket, leggings, and boots, her blonde hair cascading softly over her shoulders.
A Life of Transformation
Born Jocelyne Périsset, Wildenstein experienced a dramatic transformation throughout her life. She became known for her pronounced cat-like features, which included slanted eyes and a prominent chin, a result of numerous cosmetic surgeries. Wildenstein had amassed a following of over one million on Instagram, where she referred to herself as an "art dealer" and shared glimpses of her life.
Wildenstein's journey from humble beginnings to immense wealth began in the 1970s when she married Alec N. Wildenstein, a French-born American billionaire and art dealer. Their relationship attracted significant media attention, especially during their tumultuous divorce in the late 1990s, which ultimately made Jocelyn one of the wealthiest women in the world.
Following their separation, Jocelyn received a staggering divorce settlement of over $2 billion, along with annual payments that once totaled $100 million for a period of 13 years. However, despite her newfound wealth, she faced significant financial challenges in the years that followed.
The Rise and Fall of a Socialite
Jocelyn Wildenstein's financial empire crumbled as she reportedly squandered her fortune on extravagant luxuries, including high-end fashion, jewelry, and art. Her extravagant lifestyle became a source of public fascination, and she often found herself embroiled in controversies related to her spending habits.
In interviews, she has recounted her early fascination with Africa, sparked by a box of picture books she discovered as a child. This interest led her to the Wildenstein family ranch, Ol Jogi, in Kenya, where she developed a passion for hunting and wildlife. It was here that she first met Alec during a safari, a chance encounter that would alter the course of her life. Their first date was marked by a dramatic lion hunt, an experience Jocelyn later described as a rite of passage into her new world.
Despite her dramatic body modifications, Jocelyn once claimed she had never undergone plastic surgery. However, over the years, she openly acknowledged her transformations, albeit with a sense of denial about their impact. Alec Wildenstein himself commented on her surgeries, suggesting that she believed she could "fix her face like a piece of furniture," a notion he ridiculed.
A Complex Relationship
Following their divorce, Jocelyn began a tumultuous relationship with Klein, whom she started dating in 2003. The couple's relationship was marked by ups and downs, including a dramatic incident in 2016 when Jocelyn was arrested for allegedly slashing Klein’s face with scissors during a heated argument at her Trump Tower apartment. The altercation led to both parties being arrested, further complicating their turbulent relationship. Despite these difficulties, they managed to reconcile and continued their relationship until her passing.
Legacy and Reflection
Jocelyn Wildenstein's life was characterized by extremes—both in her physical appearance and her experiences. She became a symbol of the lengths to which some will go in the pursuit of beauty, and her story raises questions about identity, self-perception, and the societal pressures that can drive individuals to alter their bodies.
In recent years, she shared glimpses of her life on social media, including nostalgic posts about her time at Ol Jogi and her early years building a life with Alec. These reflections served as a reminder of the rich and complex life she led—filled with both privilege and pain.
Though her life was often overshadowed by her striking appearance and controversial choices, Jocelyn Wildenstein was more than just a tabloid figure; she was a woman who navigated the complexities of love, loss, and identity in a world that often judged her harshly. Her passing marks the end of an era for a figure who captivated the public imagination for decades, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to provoke conversation about the nature of beauty and self-acceptance.
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