Jocelyn Wildenstein, the renowned socialite famous for her numerous cosmetic surgeries, has passed away at the age of 84.
Wildenstein, dubbed ‘Catwoman’ due to her feline-inspired facial features, became widely known for her extensive surgeries. It is said she spent millions on procedures, including facelifts that enhanced her high cheekbones and gave her distinct ‘cat eyes.’
Despite the rumors, Wildenstein always denied undergoing plastic surgery. Her death was confirmed by her fiancé, Lloyd Klein.
In a statement to AFP, the French couturier expressed his sorrow, saying: “Her partner, Lloyd Klein, is saddened to announce the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein in Paris.”
Wildenstein’s personal life garnered significant public attention. In 1978, she married French billionaire businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein in a Las Vegas ceremony.
Their marriage lasted 21 years but ended in a tumultuous divorce in 1999 after she caught him with a model in their New York home.
The situation intensified when Alec allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened her, leading to his brief imprisonment.
Their divorce made headlines in the U.S., with Wildenstein reportedly securing a settlement of around £2 billion and an annual maintenance of £80 million.
After her divorce, the socialite began a relationship with Klein in 2003, having met him during New York Fashion Week.
The couple got engaged in 2017, with Klein gifting her a 32-carat diamond ring, thought to be worth millions.
Over the years, Wildenstein has consistently denied undergoing plastic surgery.
In an interview with The Sun, the socialite stated: “I haven’t had plastic surgery. I’m scared of what could happen, and I don’t like to have something heavy; sometimes, it feels a bit overwhelming and terrible.”
She also mentioned that she hadn’t used fillers but had received Botox “twice.”
In 2023, Wildenstein posted a teenage photo of herself, asserting that her high cheekbones were natural. She accused critics of manipulating her images to exaggerate her transformations.
Reports indicate that Wildenstein, born Jocelyne Périsset, passed away from a pulmonary embolism (PE) in Paris on Tuesday.
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the lung. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
The 84-year-old passed away in a Parisian palace, according to Paris Match.
Daily Mail reports that Wildenstein, along with Klein, was last seen on December 18 in Paris. She was spotted smiling at onlookers while wearing a fur jacket, leggings, and boots.
