Jocelyn Wildenstein, also referred to as “Catwoman,” passed away in her sleep in Paris, with her longtime partner attributing her death to complications of phlebitis.
Key Facts:
– She died “peacefully” on December 31, according to her partner Lloyd Klein.
– Phlebitis—blood clots that can block veins—was cited as her cause of death.
– She gained the “Catwoman” nickname following numerous cosmetic procedures.
– Her 1990s divorce from billionaire Alec Wildenstein awarded her $2.5 billion.
– By 2018, she filed for bankruptcy, stating she depended on friends and family to cover her expenses.
The Rest of The Story:
Wildenstein spent her final days at the Ritz in Paris, celebrating the holiday season with Klein.
He recalled that on the night she died, the couple shared a relaxed evening, took a nap before dressing for New Year’s festivities, and woke to find her unresponsive.
She allegedly suffered from swollen legs due to phlebitis, which reduced blood flow and oxygen to her brain.
Her transformation through extensive plastic surgeries made her a media fixture, though she once attributed her facial structure to “Swiss heritage.”
During her peak, following the high-profile divorce, she received both a hefty settlement and substantial annual payments.
However, she eventually declared bankruptcy, saying she was not employed and lived off minimal income.
Wildenstein was arrested in 2016 over allegations she attacked Klein, though charges were ultimately dropped.
She had two children, Diane and Alec Jr., who survive her.
Klein emphasized that Wildenstein otherwise appeared healthy and in “impeccable” condition, even attending Fashion Week in Paris just months earlier.
Billionaire socialite ‘Catwoman’
Jocelyn Wildenstein has passed away at the age of 84.Wildenstein passed away in her sleep from a pulmonary embolism in her Paris hotel.
She was best known for her extravagant plastic surgery to resemble a cat.
She famously received $2.5… pic.twitter.com/eWpoCbMKF8
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 2, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life became a blend of massive wealth, legal drama, and public fascination with her appearance.
Her final days in Paris seemed calm, according to her partner, until an undetected blood clot became fatal.
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Despite her extravagant past, stories from loved ones show she had hoped for a peaceful transition into the New Year.