Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 28, 2025 · Entertainment

From 'Hot Felon' to Fashion Icon: Jeremy Meeks' Remarkable Life Transformation

Jeremy Meeks sent the internet into meltdown when his smouldering mugshot went viral in 2014 - earning himself the nickname the 'Hot Felon'

Jeremy Meeks: From Hot Felon to Model Citizen!

Get ready for a dose of drama, scandal, and redemption as we delve into the captivating life of Jeremy Meeks, aka the "Hot Felon." In 2014, this brooding hunk's mugshot went viral, earning him instant celebrity status and making him an overnight sensation.

But before we dive into his steamy rise to fame, let's take a step back. Jeremy was just a young man from Stockton, California, when he found himself on the wrong side of the law. In 2014, he was arrested during Operation Ceasefire, a multi-agency law enforcement mission targeting gang activity. The then-30-year-old was listed as a "convicted felon" and charged with felony weapon charges. He denied the allegations, but the damage was done.

The sudden fame that came following the viral mugshot changed Jeremy's life, as he went on to secure a modelling contract and star in multiple films (pictured in 2020)

Fast forward to 2015, Jeremy was convicted of possession of a firearm and sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. But little did anyone know that his time behind bars would be a turning point in his life.

As Jeremy served his sentence, something remarkable happened. His viral mugshot sparked a global frenzy, earning him the nickname "Hot Felon." Social media went wild, with fans swooning over his smoldering good looks and captivating gaze.

After his release from Mendota Federal Correctional Institution, Jeremy signed with White Cross Management company and kickstarted his career in the fashion industry. He walked catwalks, starred in films, and even landed a modeling contract!

Following his release from prison, he signed to White Cross Management company and kicked started his career in the fashion industry (pictured in February)

But amidst all the glamour and glitz, Jeremy never forgot his humble beginnings. He became an advocate for underprivileged youths, working tirelessly to prevent them from falling into the same traps he once did.

In 2017, Jeremy's life took another dramatic turn when he started dating Topshop heiress Chloe Green. The unlikely pair welcomed a son, Jayden, in 2018. However, their whirlwind romance came to an abrupt end in August 2019, with Jeremy vowing to remain amicable co-parents.

Jeremy's personal life has been the subject of much speculation and gossip. He's had his fair share of controversies, including a brief marriage to Melissa Meeks, with whom he shares a son, Jeremy Junior. The pair divorced in 2018, but Jeremy remains close to both mothers.

Jeremy currently works with charities, helping with underprivileged youths to avoid gang crime and prevent going down the wrong paths

As Jeremy navigates his post-prison life, he's focused on his charity work, using his platform to raise awareness about gang violence and the importance of education. He's also penned his own memoir, Model Citizen, which delves into his harrowing experiences growing up in poverty-stricken Stockton.

The 46-page book features stunning photos by celebrity photographer Jim Jordan and offers a glimpse into Jeremy's life-changing moments. Speaking to The Scholarly Note, Jeremy revealed: "I'm in a place in my life where I am extremely vulnerable and want to tell my story, the whole story and hope that people can connect to it and understand how I came to be in the place that I'm at in my life."

Jeremy's journey from Hot Felon to Model Citizen is nothing short of inspiring. As he continues to walk the catwalk, star in films, and advocate for social justice, one thing is clear: this brooding hunk has come a long way since his mugshot went viral.

In an update, he wrote: 'This picture was taken at the California Youth Authority juvenile prison when I was speaking to a group of kids ages 17-23'

Stay tuned for more updates on Jeremy Meeks' life, love, and career as The Scholarly Note brings you all the juiciest gossip and news!

Jeremy is a father-of-two and shares Jeremy Junior with his ex wife Melissa, who he was married to from 2008 until 2018

His second son Jayden born of his shock relationship with Topshop boss Philip Green's daughter Chloe (pictured together in 2018)