:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/meeks-tout-184b1d11fd084786a60e275336ec9adb.jpg)
Jeremy Meeks, famously dubbed the “hot felon,” has undergone a remarkable transformation since his infamous mugshot took the internet by storm in 2014. From a life marked by adversity to a flourishing career in modeling and acting, Meeks’ journey is nothing short of captivating.
The turning point for Meeks came on June 18, 2014, when he was arrested in Stockton, California, for possessing a firearm as a felon. His mugshot, featuring striking blue eyes and a chiseled jawline, quickly became a 𝓿𝒾𝓇𝒶𝓁 sensation after the Stockton Police Department shared it online. Within days, the image amassed thousands of likes and comments, propelling him into the spotlight as the internet’s newest heartthrob.
Reflecting on his tumultuous past, Meeks has shared that he grew up in a challenging environment, with both parents battling heroin addiction. He spent over a decade in juvenile detention and prison for various offenses, including a tragic family history that saw his father commit murder when he was just an infant. In a 2019 podcast, he described his childhood as “very dark,” revealing the struggles that shaped him.
Since his release from prison in March 2016, Meeks has embraced a new life. He has carved out a successful career as a model and actor, walking the runways for high-profile designers like Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger. His film credits include roles in “Trigger” (2020) and “Unfair Exchange” (2022), showcasing his versatility beyond the 𝓿𝒾𝓇𝒶𝓁 fame.
After serving 13 months in jail, Meeks was released early, expressing gratitude for his newfound freedom on social media. He revealed that the attention he received while incarcerated was overwhelming, with fans and strangers alike clamoring for his attention, leading to a flood of letters and visits.
Meeks’ personal life has also seen significant changes. He was married to Melissa Meeks, with whom he shares a son, Jeremy Jr., but the couple divorced in June 2018 after nearly a decade together. Shortly after their separation, Meeks was linked to Chloe Green, the heiress to the Topshop fortune, with whom he welcomed another son, Jayden, in May 2018. However, that relationship ended in 2019, and Meeks has since focused on self-improvement, stating he has been single and celibate for several years.
Today, Jeremy Meeks continues to build his brand, having signed lucrative modeling contracts and launched his clothing line, which debuted in 2020. His autobiography, “Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks,” released in February 2024, dives into his life story, aiming to inspire others who may face similar struggles.
As he navigates this new chapter, fans are left wondering: what’s next for the man who turned a mugshot into a modeling career?
