Jocelyn Wildenstein, iconic 'Catwoman' socialite, passes away at 84

Jocelyn Wildenstein, a Swiss socialite known for her extensive cosmetic surgeries, has died at 84 from a pulmonary embolism. Her partner, Lloyd Klein, confirmed her peaceful passing. Dubbed ‘Catwoman,’ she gained media attention for her lavish lifestyle and high-profile divorce, receiving a $2.5 billion settlement. Despite later financial woes, she became a cultural icon.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite famously known for her dramatic cosmetic surgery and cat-like features’, has passed away at the age of 84. Her partner, Lloyd Klein, confirmed that she died from a pulmonary embolism in Paris on December 31, 2024. Klein described her last moments as peaceful, noting that they had spent a joyful holiday together before her sudden passing.

Wildenstein, often referred to as ‘Catwoman’ or the ‘Bride of Wildenstein,’ became a tabloid fixture due to her tumultuous love life, extravagant lifestyle, and the extensive surgeries that transformed her appearance.

Born Jocelyn Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, she grew up with a passion for African wildlife, which later influenced her lifestyle choices. Her marriage to Alec Wildenstein was marked by both love and conflict; they shared a fascination for big cats and even underwent matching cosmetic procedures early in their relationship. However, their marriage ended dramatically when Jocelyn discovered Alec with a younger woman.

Her high-profile divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein in 1999 garnered significant media attention, especially after she received a staggering $2.5 billion settlement. Despite this wealth, Wildenstein later faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2018.

Throughout her life, Wildenstein maintained that her surgeries were not as extensive as reported, often attributing her appearance to genetics or hairstyle changes. Yet, she famously embraced her unique look and became an icon in popular culture. Wildenstein was known for her lavish spending habits. She reportedly spent exorbitantly on luxury items and maintained an extravagant lifestyle that included owning multiple properties and exotic animals.

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