Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss-born New York socialite famously recognized as 'Catwoman' due to her dramatic transformation through cosmetic surgery, has died at the age of 84. According to reports, she passed away from pulmonary embolism on December 31, 2024, at her residence in Paris.
Wildenstein's death came as both shocking and saddening news for those who followed her flamboyant life, which was marked by extravagant spending, high-profile relationships, and her infamous divorce. She gained notoriety for her appearance, which she sought to embrace through surgical enhancements aiming to replicate feline features—an affinity sparked by her pet lynx.
Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, expressed deep sorrow over her passing, stating, "It's very sad. It's extremely sad. It's extremely sad to lay down with your other half...". Klein revealed the circumstances of her death, which occurred during their pre-New Year's Eve preparations; he explained it stemmed from complications related to her phlebitis diagnosis. "Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain," Klein noted.
Born on November 5, 1940, Wildenstein's rise to fame began after her marriage to billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein in 1978. Their divorce, notorious for its size and public nature, resulted in Wildenstein being awarded $2.5 billion, along with $100 million annually for thirteen years. Despite this immense fortune, her financial situation took a turn for the worse, leading her to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018, claiming she had dwindled her assets to just $900 monthly from Social Security benefits.
Prior to her death, Wildenstein faced significant financial difficulties, leading to legal entanglements. Reports indicate she was on the verge of arrest due to ignoring court orders linked to debts totaling $344,000—debt accrued over time from unpaid jewelry she failed to return. This situation culminated with Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens issuing a bodily attachment warrant aimed at holding her accountable for the missed court appearance.
Adding to her woes, Wildenstein was evicted from her Miami Beach apartment over unpaid rent, totaling $12,000, after her claims of property damage, including mold, were dismissed by the court. Her lavish lifestyle, which included spending reportedly hitting $1 million on cosmetic surgeries, juxtaposed with her financial realities, paints the picture of her tumultuous existence.
While some continue to associate her with extravagance and superficiality, others saw glimpses of vulnerability and depth. There were reports of upcoming projects, including potential reality television endeavors intended to spotlight her distinctive life and passions, including her love for animals. Sources indicated Wildenstein had filmed extensive footage for the project, though it remained unproduced by the time of her death.
Despite her lavish spending, Wildenstein's and Klein's days preceding her death were described as joyful. "Everything was good, everything was good," Klein stated, reminiscing about their recent experiences dining at the Ritz and attending Fashion Week at Chanel just days before her passing.
Throughout her life, Wildenstein maintained complex views on her appearance. Earlier this year, she stated, "I haven't had plastic surgery, I am scared of what can happen and I don't like to have something heavy...". Her conflicting statements about her history with cosmetic procedures were well-documented, making her both a subject of ridicule and fascination.
Wildenstein's life story is one of contrasts—among the wealthy elite yet financially destitute, loved yet often misunderstood, celebrated yet mocked. Her passing reverberates beyond her peculiarities, representing the fleeting nature of fame forged through both admiration and derision.
Despite her dramatic life, the ultimate question lingers: how does one reconcile the dichotomy of such excessive life with the stark reality of mortality? Jocelyn Wildenstein's story embodies this tension, leaving behind multiple narratives to ponder and act upon.