Most people don’t expect their worst moment to launch them into fame, but that’s exactly what happened to Jeremy Meeks.
Back in 2014, his mugshot went viral and took the internet by storm.
Dubbed the “Hot Felon,” Jeremy’s piercing blue eyes and chiseled jawline transformed him overnight from a little-known convict into a trending topic.
But more than a decade later, he’s rewriting his story in a way that goes far beyond looks—and it’s all about purpose.
The Arrest That Changed Everything
It all started with a police booking photo in Stockton, California, following Jeremy’s arrest during a law enforcement sweep called Operation Ceasefire.
He was charged with felony weapon possession.
Though he denied the charges at the time, he was later convicted in 2015 and sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
While inside, he also joined a substance abuse program that would mark the start of his transformation.
Life After Prison and the Modelling Breakthrough
When Jeremy was released, his life had done a full 180.
The fame from that mugshot had opened unexpected doors—most notably, a modelling contract.
He soon began walking fashion runways and posing for major brands.
For a while, his face was everywhere: from glossy magazine pages to red carpets.
But fame wasn’t the only new chapter in his life.
A Public Romance with Billionaire Heiress Chloe Green
Jeremy stepped further into the spotlight when he began dating Chloe Green, daughter of British retail tycoon Sir Philip Green.
The couple made headlines in 2017 when they were spotted kissing on a yacht—while Jeremy was still legally married to his then-wife, Melissa.
The relationship quickly became serious, and in 2018, they welcomed a son, Jayden Meeks-Green.
Although they later split in 2019, Jeremy and Chloe now co-parent amicably.
Committed to Helping Others Stay on Track
These days, Jeremy has shifted his focus from fashion to philanthropy.
He’s been dedicating time to mentoring youth and working with formerly incarcerated individuals, using his own journey as a way to inspire others.
In one of his recent Instagram posts, he described how speaking to young people in California’s juvenile prison system reminded him of how important it is for kids to see someone who’s walked in their shoes.
He’s also partnered with the charity WOSMOH—Women of Substance, Men of Honor—visiting group homes and juvenile detention centers, sharing his story and offering guidance.
“I’ve been where you are,” he tells the teens.
“And if I can turn it around, so can you.”
Opening Up in His Memoir “Model Citizen”
In March, Jeremy released his autobiography titled Model Citizen, where he dives deep into his past struggles with poverty, gang violence, addiction, and how he found redemption.
He hopes his raw honesty helps others relate to him on a deeper level.
The book includes dozens of photos—both personal and professional—and showcases not just his modelling career but the emotional growth behind the scenes.
Still in Fashion but On His Own Terms
Although he’s no longer dominating the fashion runways as he once did, Jeremy hasn’t left the style world completely.
He’s worked on fashion collaborations with companies like Fashion Concept GmbH and launched a capsule collection with designer Canon Mitchell.
His modelling days may be quieter now, but his creative streak hasn’t dimmed.
Making Moves in Film
Jeremy has also tested the waters in acting.
After appearing in films like Dutch II: Angel’s Revenge, he’s now lined up for roles in Beach Chain, Doggmen, and Rise of the Tarrogan.
While we’re still waiting on release dates, it’s clear he’s steadily carving out a space in Hollywood.
Juggling Fame and Fatherhood
Despite his busy schedule, Jeremy says fatherhood is one of his top priorities.
He shares his oldest son, Jeremy Jr., with his ex-wife Melissa, and maintains a strong co-parenting relationship with both Melissa and Chloe. “I’m in a good place,” he said in 2020.
“We’re all co-parenting. They’re incredible mothers.”
Focused, Grateful, and Staying Grounded
Whether he’s visiting a juvenile facility or writing about his past, Jeremy Meeks is clear about one thing: he wants to use his story to help others.
He often talks about how much he wishes he’d had someone like him to look up to when he was younger.
Now, he’s making sure today’s kids have that.
“God is doing the most incredible things in my life right now,” he wrote.
“I can feel a polar shift coming. Stay prayed up everyone.”