‘Catwoman’ Jocelyne Wildenstein, known for extreme plastic surgery, dies aged 84
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Jocelyne Wildenstein, who was known as Catwoman for her feline-like plastic surgery, has died aged 84. The Swiss-born New York socialite died of a pulmonary embolism in Paris on New Year’s Eve, according to Paris Match. Her death was confirmed by her partner Lloyd Klein, who said in a statement to AFP he was ‘saddened’ to announce that an ‘icon had died.’.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bei/REX/Shutterstock (4371920da) Joceyln Wildenstein a.k.a. The Cat Woman Cartier Celebrates 25 Years in Beverly Hills May 9, 2005 - Beverly Hills, CA Joceyln Wildenstein a.k.a. The Cat Woman . Cartier celebrates 25 years in Beverly Hills and Renovation of Rodeo Drive Boutique with a star-studded event in honor of Project A.L.S. at their Rodeo Drive store in Beverly Hills.p Photo by: Eric Charbonneau?Berliner Studio/BEImages]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234713249-7d46.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Wildenstein first rose to fame in the 90s following her high-profile divorce from billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. Their 21-year marriage ended when Wildenstein walked in on her husband in bed with a Russian model. Furious at being caught in the act, Alec, who died in 2008 aged 67, threatened Wildenstein with a gun.
![[A photo taken 07 March 2002 in Deauville]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-79823557.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
She promptly filed for divorce on grounds of adultery, with Alec responding by cutting off her large allowance. Their divorce proceedings, with revelations about the Wildenstein family’s dysfunctional relationships, became tabloid fodder. Wildenstein was eventually awarded a $2.5billion (£1.9bn) settlement but on the condition it did not fund cosmetic surgery.
![[Jocelyn Wildenstein & Lloyd Klein Discuss Their Engagement]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-826745582.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Her plastic surgery altered appearance during their divorce proceedings earned her the nickname the ‘Bride of Wildenstein’. It was claimed Wildenstein underwent procedures to look more catlike to appease Alec, who she met on safari in Kenya and loved big cats.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by MediaPunch/REX/Shutterstock (15062755c) **FILE PHOTO** Jocelyn Wildenstein Has Passed Away. JOCELYN WILDENSTEIN MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK LLOYD KLIEN SPRING 2004 COLLECTION BRYANT PARK , NYC. 09/12/2003 Jocelyn Wildenstein Has Passed Away, NEW YORK CITY, USA]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234713246-709d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
