Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite famously dubbed “Catwoman” for her dramatic cosmetic transformations, passed away on December 31, 2024, in Paris at the age of 84. She reportedly died from a pulmonary embolism while napping in her Parisian residence.
Her partner, Lloyd Klein, confirmed her death, sharing his profound sadness. Jocelyn was last seen in public on December 18, looking healthy and radiant as she strolled through Paris.
Known for her opulent lifestyle, tumultuous personal life, and jaw-dropping divorce settlement, Jocelyn’s life story is as fascinating as it is controversial.
Early Life and Path to High Society
Born Jocelyne Périsset on August 5, 1940, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Jocelyn’s early life bore no indication of the glamorous and contentious persona she would later become.
Raised in modest circumstances, she developed an independent streak and a love for art that would shape her life’s trajectory. As a young woman, she moved to Paris, where she mingled with artists and intellectuals, immersing herself in a world far removed from her small-town roots.
Jocelyn’s first steps into high society came through relationships with prominent men, including French filmmaker Cyril Piguet and Italian producer Sergio Gobbi. These connections not only introduced her to the finer things in life but also set the stage for her eventual meeting with Alec Wildenstein, the man who would propel her into global infamy.
Love, Marriage, and a Lavish Lifestyle
The couple’s life was a whirlwind of luxury, with homes in New York, Paris, and the Kenyan ranch Ol Jogi, where Alec Jr would later take the helm. Their marriage, however, was anything but serene.
Jocelyn recalled hunting with Alec, describing a moment when he shot a lion and followed a tribal tradition by eating its heart and smearing its blood on their necks, a memory she claimed symbolized Alec’s power.
Over time, their relationship deteriorated amid Alec’s infidelities and Jocelyn’s growing obsession with cosmetic surgery.
Alec famously remarked that Jocelyn treated her face like a piece of furniture, a statement she denied, accusing him of manipulating public opinion during their high-profile divorce in 1999.
A Scandalous Divorce
The glamorous facade of Jocelyn and Alec’s marriage began to crumble in the late 1990s. The final blow came when Jocelyn discovered Alec with a younger woman, leading to a dramatic confrontation that culminated in one of the most expensive divorces in history.
The 1999 settlement awarded Jocelyn $2.5 billion, with an additional $100 million annually for 13 years. Details of their divorce, from allegations of infidelity to lavish spending habits, dominated headlines and cemented Jocelyn’s place in tabloid history. Her legal battle with Alec was as extravagant as their marriage, with both parties airing their grievances in public.
A Transformation That Captured the World’s Attention
During her marriage, Jocelyn began her journey into cosmetic surgery, a decision reportedly inspired by Alec’s admiration for feline features. Over time, her surgeries became increasingly dramatic, giving her a cat-like appearance that drew significant media attention.
The transformation earned her the nickname “Catwoman,” making her a polarizing figure in discussions about beauty and self-expression.
Critics labeled her surgeries extreme, while Jocelyn defended her choices as deeply personal. She embraced her unique look, unapologetically navigating the judgment and ridicule that often accompanied it. Her appearance became both her signature and a source of endless fascination.
Life After Alec and Her Relationship with Lloyd Klein
Following her divorce, Jocelyn continued to lead a life marked by both opulence and challenges. Despite the monumental settlement, financial troubles loomed in her later years. In 2018, she filed for bankruptcy, citing millions in unpaid debts.
Amidst these struggles, Jocelyn found love again with Lloyd Klein, a designer who stood by her through thick and thin. Their relationship, though not without its fiery moments and legal troubles, remained a constant in her later life.
Klein often defended Jocelyn’s choices and celebrated her individuality, portraying her as a misunderstood and resilient figure.
Her Children and Enduring Legacy
Jocelyn and Alec had two children: Diane and Alec Jr. While Diane now lives a quiet life breeding horses in London, Alec Jr remained tied to the Wildenstein family’s controversial legacy.
He became embroiled in tax evasion cases, facing allegations alongside his uncle, Guy Wildenstein. In March 2024, Alec Jr received a two-year suspended prison sentence and a €37,500 fine.
Despite their shared wealth, Jocelyn revealed that both Diane and Alec Jr were estranged from her in recent years. Jocelyn’s later life was peppered with moments of reflection, including sharing undated throwback photos with her children.
In one post from November 2023, she described them as her “personal family,” offering a rare glimpse into her softer side.
