Why are they famous? - Jocelyne Wildenstein
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MAIN CLAIM: The world's least successful tribute to the gentle art of the face lift. The living, breathing, suing tribal mask that is Jocelyne Wildenstein is primarily known for her surgically stretched countenance, her pre-divorce claim that she can't make toast, and now her flamboyant, mud-slinging, gun-toting divorce from art-dealing, horse- racing tycoon Alex Wildenstein. Ever a tabloid favourite, her picture frequently printed to make us all feel a lot better about our appearances, this week, alongside Madonna, she stars in Vanity Fair.
APPEARANCE: See our protagonist's main claim to fame, above. Big cat of all-purpose, Disney-jungle-predator appearance, standing back-thrust of jet engine. Eartha Kitt meets Joan Rivers meets Michael Jackson meets Ivana Trump meets defenceless feral furry animal yanked up by scruff of the neck and punched in the mouth.
PAST IMPERFECT: In September 1997, Jocelyne arrived with a brace of bodyguards in the middle of the night to see her husband at the family's Manhattan town house, as you do. Jocelyne claims Alec appeared clad in a towel and levelled a 9mm semi-automatic at her, while a naked blonde woman was espied in the bed chamber. Alec disagrees on several points. Next stop: divorce.
SKIN DEEP: French-born Jocelyne, Bride of Wildenstein, 52, fell in love with Alec W. in Kenya 20 years ago, while they waited for a big cat, and Alec made his kill. Does this seem at all significant, readers? Bridie, as we may affectionately term the unusual one, had already spent a decade exploring the dark continent. On rumours that she had also earned her crust as a courtesan, our heroine has the following to offer: "Really? Well, they have to try to find something against me."
AFRICAN QUEEN: Jocelyne has always been happiest at Ol Jogi, the Wildenstein ranch with two tigers living in a bullet-proof glass cave. Celebrity query: why do ageing glamour girls with tight faces tend to go all jungle? See Tippi Hedren, Stefanie Powers, Goldie Hawn, Joan Collins for glossy jeep safari/posing with big cats in colonial outpost photos.
FAME PROSPECTS: "She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way," cautions Alec. Lesson: more surgery equals more tabloid fame. Otherwise, a line of jungle prints for Grattans could be just the ticket. And there are, well, specialist model agencies.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments