Jeremy Meeks’ life has undergone significant transformation since his mugshot became viral 11 years ago.
On June 18, 2014, he was apprehended on allegations of being a felon in possession of a weapon, according to CBS News. The Stockton Police Department then shared a photograph of Meeks’ mugshot, which rapidly gained global attention. Buzzfeed subsequently featured the photograph and categorized the incident as a meme.
Meeks became recognized as “the hot felon” while anticipating his trial and punishment.
Before achieving viral fame, Meeks endured more than a decade in juvenile jail and prison for many offenses. He was raised in an environment permeated by drugs and violence. Both of my parents were addicted to heroin. I was born addicted to heroin. My upbringing was really bleak. He said on the What’s Your Water podcast in 2021 that his father committed murder when he was nine months old, resulting in the death of his mother’s closest friend.
In 2024, Meeks published an autobiography detailing his travels. In a 2020 interview with BuzzFeed, he reflected on his post-prison life, stating, “It’s been a tumultuous journey, but I am profoundly grateful.” I am not assuming anything as a certainty.
What happened with Meeks after his designation as the “hot felon?” This is a comprehensive overview of Jeremy Meeks’ current life.
Jeremy Ray Meeks is a model, actor, and online celebrity who gained notoriety in 2014 after his mugshot became viral.
Besides featuring in films like Trigger, Secret Society, and True to the Game 2 and 3, Meeks has also graced the runways for prominent fashion designers, like Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger, among others.
What caused Jeremy Meeks to achieve viral status?
Meeks is renowned for his viral mugshot, which earned him the moniker “hot felon” in 2014. The BBC claimed that the photograph received over 95,000 comments and 20,000 likes after its publication on the Stockton Police Department’s Facebook page.
The close-up photograph, highlighting Meeks’ striking blue eyes, garnered him much affection despite his criminal history.
A police spokeswoman informed the Associated Press that the reaction to Meeks’ mugshot was atypical. “I have never observed such a high number of likes on a photograph before,” he said.
Meeks leveraged his newfound notoriety into a profession, securing modeling contracts, obtaining film roles, and finalizing book agreements. “During my incarceration, I received, I believe, 45 contracts,” he said BuzzFeed in 2020.
What was the reason behind Jeremy Meeks’ incarceration?
The Los Angeles Times reports that Meeks was apprehended when law enforcement discovered a semi-automatic weapon and two extended magazines in the trunk of his vehicle during a traffic check. He faced five firearm-related charges and allegations of gang affiliation, according to NBC station KCRA 3.
In February 2015, Meeks was adjudicated guilty of felony handgun possession and received a sentence of 27 months’ imprisonment, as reported by KCRA3.
ABC revealed that Meeks had already served many jail sentences. In 2002, he faced charges of grand theft. The site reports that he was incarcerated for two years due to the event.
FOX40 stated that Meeks was convicted of identity theft in 2005 and forgery in 2007, for which he also received a prison sentence. The Los Angeles Times reports that Meeks spent two years in jail for grand theft auto.
What was the duration of Jeremy Meeks’ incarceration?
Meeks was incarcerated for 13 months after his arrest in 2014. On February 5, 2015, he received a 27-month jail term, according to CBS; however, the Los Angeles Times said that Meeks was released early on March 8, 2016.
On March 9, Meeks expressed his thanks for his release in an Instagram post, stating, “I want to thank my family and everyone for all your love, support, and prayers.” I am both overwhelmed and appreciative of the future prospects. I am prepared.
What is Jeremy Meeks’ current location?
Meeks was contracted by White Cross Management prior to his incarceration. “I am in a position to support my family and significantly transform my life,” he said ABC at the time.
Upon his release from incarceration, Meeks transitioned into a career as a model, fashion designer, and actor. If somebody had said me a decade ago that I would be traversing the globe, participating in fashion shows, and appearing in films, I would have been astonished. “I am uncertain about my actions,” he said in a 2020 BuzzFeed video.
In 2019, WWD claimed that Meeks had secured a $15 million agreement with Fashion Concept GmbH to create a clothing brand. He launched his premium line for the fall/winter 2020 season, according to Frow.
He has continued to design, launching his second collection for Canon Mitchell in January 2024, which the business showcased on their Instagram page.
The model has also appeared in other films. “I filmed five movies in ten months,” he said BuzzFeed, starting with 2020’s Trigger.
His book, Model Citizen: The book of Jeremy Meeks, was published in February 2024. “I find myself in a state of profound vulnerability and wish to share my entire narrative, hoping that others can relate to it and comprehend the circumstances that have led me to my current situation,” he conveyed to PEOPLE.
As Meeks said to Forbes in 2017, he has no intention of ceasing his endeavors. “I cannot confine myself to a singular pursuit,” he said. I am not a model. I engage in modeling, acting, and am on the verge of commencing music recording.
Is Jeremy Meeks wed?
Meeks was once wed to Melissa Meeks. The couple formally divorced in June 2018 after almost a decade of marriage.
One year before, Jeremy was seen kissing Chloe Green, the heiress of Topshop. In the same month, the fashion entrepreneur shared a now-deleted Instagram selfie with the online personality, which seemed to validate their emerging connection. “Merely the Commencement …” She expressed gratitude for both the affection and the animosity at that time.
Jeremy allegedly submitted a petition for separation from Melissa on July 13, 2017. Two days later, he and Green were captured in a picture while holding hands.
Melissa, asserting her ignorance of Jeremy’s desire to separate before the internet publication of his images with Green, discussed their ensuing breakup in October 2017. “He was an exceptional husband, truly … “It was profoundly heartbreaking for me,” she said on This Morning.
Meeks informed PEOPLE in April 2024 that he was unattached after the conclusion of his two-year romance with Green in 2019. I am unattached. He said, “I am endeavoring to concentrate on my personal development.”
Does Jeremy Meeks have children?
Meeks is the progenitor of two sons. The actor first became a father when he and Melissa welcomed their son, Jeremy Jr.
Meeks and Green had their second son, Jayden, on May 29, 2018. “We are delighted to announce the arrival of our handsome son, Jayden Meeks-Green,” the pair said in identical Instagram postings. Meeks also regards some of his previous stepchildren as family members.
In 2020, the model articulated his connection with both Melissa and Green, stating to Extra, “I have an incredible relationship with Chloe … I am now in a relationship with the mother of my eldest kid. He said, “We are all co-parenting.” They are exceptional moms.
