Jocelyn Wildenstein | Source: Getty Images
Jocelyn Wildenstein, often dubbed “Catwoman” by tabloids due to her affinity for cats and her distinct feline-like features, has openly addressed the speculation surrounding her appearance. She has shared her side of the story, explaining the reasons behind her face’s noticeable swelling.
Jocelyn Wildenstein during a portrait session at her Upper East Side townhouse on May 28, 1998, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Jocelyn, while often in the spotlight for her striking looks and media nickname, has a rich personal history that extends beyond her appearance. Her high-profile marriage to billionaire art collector Alec Wildenstein remains a key chapter of her life.
Jocelyn Wildenstein poses for a picture on February 10, 1999, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The pair first crossed paths in 1977 while in Africa and married in a Las Vegas ceremony in April 1978. Together, they welcomed two children, daughter Diane and son Alec Jr. Wildenstein
Jocelyn Wildenstein attends the gala opening of the Mandarin Oriental, New York on December 1, 2003, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
One of Jocelyn’s fondest memories stems from her time at Ol Jogi, the Wildlife Conservancy she shared with Alec.
Reflecting on her contributions, she once said, “I really put my imagination and heart into it,” proudly noting her role in “overseeing” the estate’s sprawling features.
The family ranch included 200 buildings, 55 man-made lakes, two swimming pools, and a staggering 366 staff members.
Jocelyn’s idyllic life at Ol Jogi was accompanied by a personal transformation that would become a defining feature of her public persona—her ventures into plastic surgery.
According to Alec, the journey began about a year into their marriage when Jocelyn pointed out that his eyes appeared baggy.
Jocelyne Wildenstein during Olympus Fashion Week Spring on September 11, 2004, in Bryant Park in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The couple opted for matching eye-lifts, but for Jocelyn, it was only the beginning. “She was crazy,” Alec remarked in an interview, explaining that she believed facial features could be altered as easily as “a piece of furniture.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein attends the after-party for "Coco Before Chanel" on September 9, 2009, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his objections, she pursued numerous procedures. “Skin does not work that way,” he added, noting her unwillingness to listen. A friend also lamented her choices, saying, “I don’t think I’ve known her when she wasn’t healing from something,” and expressed sorrow over how Jocelyn had “mutilated herself.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein attends the Jean-Yves Klein: Chimeras Exhibition on October 8, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Jocelyn’s signature look, often compared to that of a jungle cat, has sparked speculation that she intentionally modeled her appearance after a lynx—an animal she admires and keeps as a pet.
Jocelyn Wildenstein attends Lloyd Klein's 50th birthday celebration on February 15, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While she praised the lynx for having “perfect eyes,” the socialite maintains that her feline-like features are natural, pointing to family traits like her grandmother’s “cat eyes” and “high cheekbones.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein at Lloyd Klein's 50th birthday celebration on February 15, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In earlier remarks, Jocelyn suggested her cosmetic surgeries were influenced by Alec’s supposed disdain for aging, claiming he “hates to be with old people.”
However, she later contradicted this, asserting, “He never pushed me. . . . No, he all the time told me that I look very young,” before wryly adding, “Until the day you don’t look young enough!”
Despite years of speculation and public scrutiny surrounding her appearance, Jocelyn recently refuted the persistent rumors about plastic surgery in a candid interview.
She stated, “I haven’t had plastic surgery. I am scared of what can happen, and I don’t like to have something heavy. Sometimes it is a bit heavy and terrible.”
Jocelyn also revealed, “I don’t like Botox. Everyone has a different reaction to it. I have had Botox only twice. I don’t know if I am allergic, but when I had it, it did not go well with me. It was not a good result. My face swelled up.”
Additionally, fillers are completely off the table for her. “I never did any fillers. I have some friends who had fillers and were not happy,” she divulged, adding, “I am always prudent of what I do.”
Jocelyn’s cautious approach to beauty treatments contrasts sharply with the dramatic claims made by her late ex-husband, Alec, who she once said exaggerated the extent of her cosmetic procedures. Their tumultuous relationship, which ended in a high-profile divorce, remains a pivotal moment in her life.
In the midst of their divorce proceedings, Jocelyn’s rocky marriage to Alec took a dramatic turn when he was arrested for allegedly pointing a loaded gun at her in their Manhattan townhouse.
Following the incident, the father of two was released with an order to stay away from Jocelyn and their home. Their nearly two-decade marriage officially ended in 1999. Alec passed away in 2008.
After the scandalous and highly publicized end of her marriage to Alec, Jocelyn largely retreated from the public spotlight. In recent years, she has reemerged and begun to open up in interviews after decades of silence.
When asked why she had avoided the press for so long, the mother of two explained that during her children’s upbringing, she avoided speaking publicly about her family to prevent any negative impact on them.
She reflected on the challenges they faced, including the divorce and their father’s death. Jocelyn acknowledged that it was a significant burden for her teenagers at the time, but now that her children are grown, she feels freer to share her story.
With her children now grown, Jocelyn occasionally shares glimpses of their lives. In 2014, her daughter, Diane, attended Newmarket Rowley Mile, celebrating the 1000 Guineas win with French jockey Maxime Guyon and trainer André Fabre, showcasing the family’s ties to the equestrian world.
Maxime Guyon, Diane Wildenstein, and Andre Fabre pictured with the trophies at Newmarket Rowley Mile on May 4, 2014, in Newmarket, England. | Source: Getty Images
Nearly a decade later, in 2023, Jocelyn shared throwback photos on social media of herself and her son, Alec Jr., at Ol Jogi, the cherished wildlife conservancy that holds a special place in her heart.
Jocelyn’s life has not been without its share of challenges. In 2017, assault charges against her were dismissed due to lack of evidence. Her attorney, Michael Bachner, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting, “She’s doing very well,” while Jocelyn declined to comment.
The case arose from a 2016 altercation with her boyfriend, Lloyd Klein, in their Yorkville high-rise, where both were accused of violence but later cleared of charges. Following the incident, Jocelyn listed their $13 million Trump World Tower apartment for sale. Reports suggested the couple had since reconciled, moving past the drama.
Jocelyn Wildenstein and Lloyd Klein seen outside the Baccarat Hotel on August 5, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life, marked by opulence, controversy, and resilience, continues to captivate public interest. Through her triumphs and trials, she remains an enduring figure who defies expectations and embraces her individuality.
