Jocelyn Wildenstein, the high-society figure known for her distinctive appearance that earned her the moniker “Catwoman,” passed away on New Year’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 Périsset, 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.
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 “flat broke,” alleging that her former spouse’s family had terminated her settlement payments. She revealed she hadn’t received any funds for eight years, despite maintaining an opulent lifestyle.
Wildenstein’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, “I haven’t had plastic surgery. I am scared of what can happen, and I don’t like to have something heavy. Sometimes, it is a bit heavy and terrible… I have had Botox only twice. I don’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 doesn’t work well.”
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