Jocelyn Wildenstein was due for arrest in Miami over unpaid debt before her sudden death in Paris
PARIS, FRANCE: Jocelyn Wildenstein, famously nicknamed "Catwoman" due to her dramatic plastic surgeries, was grappling with significant financial and legal challenges just before her death at 84.
Radar Online has learned that Wildenstein, who died on December 31 in Paris from a pulmonary embolism, was on the verge of being arrested for ignoring court orders linked to a massive $344,000 unpaid debt.
Jocelyn Wildenstein dies of pulmonary embolism while facing Miami arrest over debt
Court records reveal that Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens issued an arrest warrant in October after Jocelyn Wildenstein missed a contempt hearing in Miami.
In a statement issued on November 4, Judge Sanchez-Llorens ordered, "Defendant may be confined in the Miami-Dade County Jail until the earliest possible time that she can be brought before the Court."
The warrant authorized sheriffs across Florida to detain her until she appeared in court, with an option for release upon posting a $1,000 bond. The debt in question stemmed from jewelry worth $268,000, reportedly not returned to Regal Jewelry and Gift Shop, along with $75,928 in accrued interest.
Wildenstein’s financial woes dated back to her 2018 bankruptcy filing, yet the jewelry company continued to pursue legal action after payments remained unresolved. Her failure to submit the required documents and attend a deposition led to legal escalations, with Judge Sanchez-Llorens deeming her in contempt of court.
A case management conference had been scheduled for January 14, but its current status remains uncertain following the withdrawal of Wildenstein's attorney, David Valero, last month.
Jocelyn Wildenstein died peacefully in her sleep at 84
Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite known for her dramatic plastic surgeries and opulent lifestyle, died at 84 on December 31, 2024. Her longtime partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed the news, sharing details of her final hours.
“We had a nice happy hour the same night, preparing for the New Year,” Klein recounted. “We decided to take a little nap to look our best before getting dressed.”
Wildenstein, often referred to as "Catwoman" for her striking appearance, suffered from phlebitis, a condition marked by vein inflammation. According to Klein, this led to complications that contributed to her sudden death.
“Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked. There was no oxygen in the brain,” he explained. Tragically, Klein awoke from their nap to find Wildenstein unresponsive. “I said, ‘Jocelyn, we have to wake up, we have to get dressed,’ and she was cold. She was dead.”
Klein expressed his grief, calling the experience “extremely sad.” Reflecting on their 21 years together, he shared, “It’s extremely sad to lay down with your other half, waiting to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and to find her cold.”
Despite her health challenges, Klein noted that Wildenstein appeared vibrant and happy in the days leading up to her death. “We were at the Ritz two days ago, having dinner. Before that, we attended Fashion Week at Chanel. Everything was good,” he said, describing their holiday season as “beautiful.”
