‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein’s fiancé denies claims of financial struggles

Lloyd Klein, fiancé of socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein denies claims she was broke and addresses rumors.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, the New York socialite infamously nicknamed "Catwoman" due to her extensive cosmetic surgeries, passed away on New Year’s Eve at 79. Her fiancé of 21 years, Lloyd Klein, denies reports that she was broke at the time of her death, emphasizing her wealth was tied up in assets.

“She was not broke,” Klein told Page Six. “She lived a lavish lifestyle, but the payments she was owed stopped, and it became difficult. Still, she didn’t deserve ridicule—she was fabulous and the love of my life.”

Wildenstein rose to prominence following her 1999 divorce from billionaire Alec Wildenstein, which awarded her a $2.5 billion settlement and $100 million annually. However, her payments ceased in 2015, reportedly due to legal disputes. Wildenstein’s fortune took another hit when a painting in her trust, attributed to Diego Velázquez, was revealed as a forgery. Despite filing for bankruptcy in 2018, Klein insists she retained millions in assets.

Klein shared fond memories of their life together. “She was ahead of her time. Today, many look like her, but she was the first.” While she faced criticism for her surgeries, he claims her distinctive features were natural: “Alec spread rumors she wanted to look like a cat, but she had beautiful cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes.”

The couple had spent months in Paris before her passing. Klein plans to honor her wishes by scattering her ashes at her ranch in Kenya alongside her parents. He described her as “a wonderful mother” and a woman with an incredible sense of humor.

“She didn’t suffer, and she passed in full glamour,” Klein said, adding, “All my happiness is gone, but I will keep her memory alive.”