Jocelyn Wildenstein, the socialite famously nicknamed Catwoman, has passed away. From her dramatic plastic surgeries inspired by big cats to her record-breaking divorce settlement, her story captivated the world, blending high society glamour with personal tragedy, leaving behind a legacy as polarizing as it was unforgettable.
Here’s all you need to know about the Swiss socialite’s death.
Jocelyn Wildenstein dies at the age of 84, claims report
Swiss socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, known for her plastic surgeries and high-profile divorce from billionaire Alec Wildenstein, has passed away in Paris at the reported age of 84, according to The Independent.
Her death was confirmed by her longtime partner, Lloyd Klein, who revealed she died peacefully in her sleep on December 31, 2024 (via The Guardian). Reports about her exact age vary, with some sources suggesting she was 79 at the time of her death (via CNN Style).
Wildenstein gained international attention for her dramatic cosmetic transformations, reportedly inspired by her love for big cats, as well as her record-breaking divorce settlement of $2.5 billion in 1999, according to People.
Her altered appearance led tabloids to nickname her Catwoman. Despite public fascination with her surgeries, Wildenstein claimed her facial features came from her family’s genetics. She reportedly stated her cat eyes and high cheekbones were natural traits.
Born Jocelyne Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1940, Wildenstein married Alec Wildenstein in 1978 after meeting on a safari in Kenya. The couple shared two children but divorced amidst allegations of infidelity and lifestyle disputes. Her financial struggles after her divorce led to bankruptcy in 2018. Despite a substantial settlement, legal disputes reportedly cut off her funds.
Wildenstein is survived by her partner Klein and her two children.