‘Catwoman’ Socialite, & Billionaire Passed Away At 84

Swiss-born New York socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, widely known in the media as “Catwoman” for her distinctive feline-like appearance, has passed away at the age of 84. According to Paris Match, she died on Tuesday in a Parisian palace due to a pulmonary embolism.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, born in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1940, became one of the most recognizable socialites of her time. Known for her dramatic feline-inspired cosmetic surgeries, she earned the nickname “Catwoman” in the media. Her unconventional appearance and extravagant lifestyle captured public attention for decades.

Wildenstein married billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein in 1978, a union that thrust her into the world of high society. The couple shared a passion for art and exotic pets, often hosting lavish events at their estates in New York and France. Their marriage, however, ended in a scandal-ridden divorce in 1999, which made international headlines. Jocelyn received a historic settlement of $2.5 billion, along with $100 million annually for the next 13 years. Despite this immense fortune, her spending habits and legal battles eventually led her to file for bankruptcy in 2018, declaring she had no remaining assets.

Beyond her financial highs and lows, Wildenstein’s life was marked by her bold approach to personal reinvention. She reportedly underwent numerous cosmetic surgeries to please her husband, who admired big cats, and this transformation became her signature look. While she faced relentless criticism and media mockery, she remained unapologetic about her choices.

In an interview with The Times of London, Jocelyn Wildenstein shared how her fascination with Africa and its wildlife began in childhood after discovering a box of picture books about the continent. This early intrigue grew into a lifelong passion for wildlife and hunting, eventually leading her to the Wildenstein family’s Ol Jogi ranch in Kenya.

 

It was there, during a safari, that Jocelyn met Alec Wildenstein, introduced by Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Their shared love of adventure became evident when Jocelyn accompanied Alec on a pre-dawn hunt. Alec had decided to track down a lion that had been preying on nearby antelope.

Jocelyn vividly recounted the moment Alec felled the lion with a single shot, followed by a second to ensure the kill. In a ritualistic gesture, they consumed part of the lion as a trophy and smeared its blood on their necks, marking the occasion. The experience, she said, symbolized the bond they were beginning to forge amid the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.

After her highly publicized divorce, Jocelyn Wildenstein began a relationship with fashion designer Lloyd Klein in 2003. The pair eventually became engaged, but their relationship was tumultuous, marked by numerous ups and downs over the years.

Per the Daily Mail, Wildenstein was arrested in 2016,following a violent altercation at her Trump Tower apartment. She allegedly slashed Klein’s face with scissors. Days later, Klein was arrested for robbery and assault after reportedly attempting to retrieve some of his belongings from her apartment.

Despite these dramatic incidents, the couple later reconciled, continuing their complex and often stormy relationship.

Rest in Peace.