You remember the photo. The blue eyes, the teardrop tattoo, the sharp jawline that launched a thousand memes and a legitimate career. It was 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted Jeremy Meeks' mugshot on Facebook, and honestly, the internet hasn't been the same since. But it's been over a decade. The viral dust has settled, and the "Hot Felon" moniker is something Meeks has been trying to outrun—or at least outgrow—for years.
So, where is Jeremy Meeks now?
He isn't just a face on a digital poster anymore. By early 2026, Meeks has effectively pivoted from a viral sensation to a full-blown entrepreneur and actor with a surprisingly complicated personal life. If you’ve been following the tabloids, you know it’s been a bumpy ride involving billionaire heiresses, high-fashion runways, and a lot of self-reflection.
Where is Jeremy Meeks now in his career?
Modeling was the gateway. After signing with White Cross Management while still behind bars, he hit the ground running upon his release in 2016. We saw him on the runways for Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger, rubbing shoulders with Gigi Hadid and the fashion elite.
But modeling is a young man's game, and at 41, Meeks has shifted his focus.
The big news recently has been his move into the literary world. In 2024, he released his autobiography, Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks. It wasn't just some ghostwritten fluff piece. He went deep into his "dark" childhood, talking about being a "heroin baby" and the trauma of his father committing a murder when Jeremy was just nine months old. It's heavy stuff. He told PEOPLE that he wanted to be "extremely vulnerable" so people could see the human behind the mugshot.
From the Runway to the Big Screen
If you check his IMDB lately, you'll see he's been busy. He isn't just doing cameos. He’s been landing actual roles in films like Trigger, Secret Society, and the True to the Game sequels.
Basically, he’s trying to prove he has range. He’s even mentioned wanting to record music. Whether that actually happens or stays a "side project" is anyone's guess, but the guy clearly doesn't want to be put in a box.
The $15 Million Fashion Deal and Business Ventures
A few years back, news broke about a massive $15 million deal with Frankfurt-based Fashion Concept GmbH to launch his own clothing line. It sounded like the ultimate success story. However, things got messy. The company reportedly filed for bankruptcy in 2022 following allegations of fraudulent practices.
Did that stop him? Not really.
Meeks is still out here designing. He recently collaborated with Canon Mitchell, launching a second collection in early 2024. He’s trying to build a brand that lasts longer than a viral tweet. It's a tough transition, but he's got the name recognition to stay relevant in the lifestyle space.
Life at Home: Relationships and Celibacy
This is where things get really interesting—and a bit unexpected.
For a long time, Meeks was the poster child for "scandalous" celebrity romances. You probably remember when he was spotted on a yacht with Chloe Green, the Topshop heiress, while he was still technically married to his wife of ten years, Melissa Meeks. That divorce was messy, public, and ended with Melissa throwing an "epic divorce party."
Meeks and Green had a son together, Jayden Meeks-Green, in 2018. But that high-profile relationship fizzled out around 2019.
The Three-Year Celibacy Vow
In a 2025 red carpet interview that caught everyone off guard, Meeks revealed he had been celibate for three years.
Yeah, you read 그 right.
The man once dubbed the "world's hottest felon" said he chose celibacy because he didn't want to be "distracted." He’s focused on himself, his kids, and his work. He’s currently single and seems to be in a much calmer place than the yacht-hopping days of 2017.
Co-Parenting and Family Ties
Family seems to be the one thing keeping him grounded. He’s co-parenting with both Melissa (mother of his oldest son, Jeremy Jr.) and Chloe.
- Jeremy Jr. is growing up fast; Meeks frequently posts about his milestones.
- Jayden is often seen in his social media updates as well.
- He also maintains a relationship with his former step-children from his marriage to Melissa.
In May 2024, he shared a post celebrating his son Jayden graduating the eighth grade, admitting it was hard not to get emotional. It’s a far cry from the tough-guy image the world first met.
Giving Back and Changing the Narrative
Meeks knows he’s a lucky man. Most people with his record don't get a second chance, let alone a multi-million dollar career. He’s started using his platform for advocacy.
He has been working on a project specifically designed to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society. He’s also active in charity work that helps underprivileged youths avoid the gang lifestyle that nearly swallowed him whole. On Instagram, he’s been vocal about "walking in his purpose," which, for him, means making sure other kids don't make the same mistakes he did.
What’s Next for the "Model Citizen"?
Jeremy Meeks’ journey from a jail cell in Stockton to the front rows of Milan is arguably one of the weirdest cultural phenomena of the last decade. But in 2026, he’s no longer just a meme. He’s a father, an author, and a budding actor.
If you’re looking to follow his journey or learn from his transition, the best move is to check out his memoir, Model Citizen. It gives a lot of context that you just can't get from a 30-second news clip. Also, keep an eye on his film projects; he’s leaning hard into the "tough guy with a heart" roles that seem to suit his real-life evolution.
Stay updated by following his official social media channels, as he tends to drop news about his fashion drops and film roles there first. He’s living proof that a single moment—even a bad one—doesn’t have to define the rest of your life.
To get the full story of his transformation, you should pick up a copy of his autobiography, Model Citizen, which is widely available at major book retailers.