Jocelyn Wildenstein, the socialite known as “Catwoman” due to her extensive plastic surgeries, passed away in Paris at the age of 84 from a pulmonary embolism. Her death came amidst a backdrop of financial and legal troubles, with reports surfacing that she was facing potential arrest in Miami for failing to appear in court regarding unpaid debts. Wildenstein’s life, marked by extravagant spending and high-profile relationships, ultimately ended with financial struggles and legal entanglements.
Wildenstein was due in a Miami court on October 23rd to address a debt of $334,000, which included $268,000 owed to Regal Jewelry and Gift Shop plus accrued interest. Her failure to appear resulted in a writ of bodily attachment, authorizing her arrest and detention until she could be brought before the court. This legal action stemmed from her 2018 bankruptcy case, during which she also failed to settle outstanding fees, prompting the jewelry company to pursue further legal action. While a bond of $1,000 could have secured her release, Wildenstein remained in Paris, and it’s unclear whether she intended to return to the United States to address the legal proceedings. This was not her first encounter with law enforcement; she had previously been arrested for an altercation with her fiancé, Lloyd Klein, although the charges were later dropped.
The financial woes plaguing Wildenstein in her later years contrasted sharply with the opulent lifestyle she enjoyed during her marriage to French billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. Their 1999 divorce resulted in a record-breaking $2.5 billion settlement, making her one of the wealthiest women in America at the time. However, her subsequent bankruptcy filing revealed a starkly different reality, with her income consisting of just $900 a month in benefits. The sale of her $6.8 million apartment in Trump World Tower was necessary to address mounting debts. Her financial struggles extended to her Miami Beach residences, with eviction proceedings initiated due to unpaid rent.
Wildenstein’s relationship with Lloyd Klein, her fiancé since 2017, was a significant part of her later life. They met in 2003, and despite past altercations, they remained together until her death. They were seen together in Paris just two weeks before her passing, enjoying a night out at The Ritz. Klein, a fashion designer, proposed with a 32-carat ring, reportedly worth millions. While their relationship endured, it was also intertwined with Wildenstein’s financial difficulties, including their shared residence in Miami Beach that was subject to eviction proceedings.
Wildenstein’s distinctive appearance, characterized by high cheekbones and slanted eyes, earned her the nickname “Catwoman.” She attributed these features to genetics, specifically her Swiss grandmother, and denied having undergone extensive plastic surgery despite widespread speculation. She even posted a childhood photo on Instagram in 2023, claiming it as proof of her naturally feline features and accusing others of photoshopping images to exaggerate her appearance. However, her ex-husband Alec Wildenstein had previously described her as “rearranging her face like a piece of furniture.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life was a complex tapestry of extravagance, legal battles, and personal relationships. From her record-breaking divorce settlement to her financial struggles and legal woes, her story captivated public attention. While she maintained her denial of extensive plastic surgery, her unique appearance contributed to her public persona. Her death marks the end of a chapter filled with both opulence and adversity, leaving behind a legacy as intriguing as it is controversial.
