Socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein aka Catwoman is dead at 84

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023-Celebrities Outside Of Fendi Show
Photo Credit: Janet Mayer/startraksphoto.com/Cover Images

Jocelyn Wildenstein, the high-society figure known for her distinctive appearance that earned her the moniker โ€œCatwoman,โ€ passed away on New Yearโ€™s Eve at age 84. Paris-Match verified that she succumbed to a pulmonary embolism while staying at a Parisian palace, a setting that matched her flamboyant persona.

Wildenstein, formerly Jocelyn Pรฉrisset, made her final public appearance on December 22. She was photographed on December 18 alongside companion Lloyd Klein, sporting a fur coat and oversized sunglasses covering her feline-like features.

"Catwoman" Jocelyne Wildenstein & Her Boyfriend Lloyd Klein Dine At Mr. Chow
January 19, 2013: Jocelyne Wildenstein, aka โ€˜Catwoman,โ€™ and her boyfriend, Lloyd Klein, leave Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills, California today. Photo Credit: Karl Larsen/INFphoto.com

Born in Switzerland, Wildenstein rose to prominence during the 1990s following her high-profile divorce from billionaire Alec N. Wildenstein, citing his alleged unfaithfulness. The settlement reportedly granted her $2.5 billion plus yearly payments of $100 million. Alec later died in 2008 at age 67.

By 2023, she declared herself โ€œflat broke,โ€ alleging that her former spouseโ€™s family had terminated her settlement payments. She revealed she hadnโ€™t received any funds for eight years, despite maintaining an opulent lifestyle.

Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation hosts 14th Annual Gala.
New York, NY โ€“ 11/18/04 โ€“ Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation hosts 14th Annual Gala โ€œA Magical Eveningโ€ at The New York Marriott Marquis. Glenn Close received the Human Spirit Award. Minnie Driver hosted the celebration which had William H. Macy as a special presenter. PICTURED: Jocelyn Wildenstein Photo Credit: Anthony Savignano/startraksphoto.com

Wildensteinโ€™s distinctive facial features became her cultural trademark. In August 2024, she shared a throwback image with her daughter Diana, sparking renewed discussions about her alleged cosmetic procedures.

Despite widespread speculation, Wildenstein maintained in November, โ€œI havenโ€™t had plastic surgery. I am scared of what can happen, and I donโ€™t like to have something heavy. Sometimes, it is a bit heavy and terribleโ€ฆ I have had Botox only twice. I donโ€™t know if I am allergic, but when I had it, it did not go well with me. It was not a good result. My face swelled up. If [other women] want to do it too strong, it doesnโ€™t work well.โ€


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