Jocelyn Wildenstein, the eccentric socialite widely recognized for her extensive cosmetic surgeries, has passed away at 84.
Wildenstein, nicknamed ‘Catwoman’ for her feline-like facial features, gained significant attention for her surgeries.
She reportedly spent millions on procedures, including facelifts that gave her high cheekbones and ‘cat eyes.’
Despite this, she consistently denied undergoing plastic surgery.
Now, Wildenstein’s death has been confirmed by her fiancé, Lloyd Klein.
In a statement to AFP, the French couturier stated: “Her partner Lloyd Klein is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris.”
Wildenstein’s personal life drew considerable public interest.
In 1978, she married French billionaire businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein in a Las Vegas ceremony.
Their marriage lasted 21 years but ended tumultuously in 1999 after she discovered him with a model in their New York home.
The confrontation escalated when Alec allegedly threatened her with a firearm, resulting in his brief incarceration.
Their divorce set records in the U.S., with Wildenstein reportedly receiving a settlement of approximately £2 billion and £80 million annually in maintenance.
Following her divorce, the socialite began a relationship with Klein in 2003 after meeting him during New York Fashion Week.
The couple became engaged in 2017, with Klein presenting her with a 32-carat diamond ring believed to be worth millions.
Over the years, Wildenstein has denied having plastic surgery.
In an interview with The Sun, the socialite said: “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.”
She added that she hadn’t had filler but had had Botox ‘twice.’
Wildenstein also shared a teenage photo of herself in 2023, claiming her high cheekbones were natural and accusing critics of altering her images to exaggerate her transformations.
According to reports, Wildenstein, born Jocelyne Périsset, succumbed to a pulmonary embolism (PE) in Paris on Tuesday.
A PE is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lung. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
The 84-year-old was in a Parisian palace at the time of her death, reports Paris Match.
Daily Mail reports that Wildenstein, alongside Klein, was last seen on December 18 in Paris. She is said to have smiled at onlookers while wearing a fur jacket, leggings, and boots.
