The face that once broke the internet is back in feeds again, and it is prompting double-takes all over again.
Eleven years after that viral mugshot, Jeremy Meeks is still leveraging the same piercing blue eyes and high-cheekboned stare that launched a thousand headlines.
Only this time, they are framed by tailored suits, red carpets, and brand boards.
Back in June 2014, the Stockton Police Department posted a routine booking photo on Facebook. Within days, the image amassed tens of thousands of likes and comments, and Meeks was christened “the world’s hottest felon.”
He had been arrested on felony weapons charges during a sweep called Operation Ceasefire. What followed became a social media legend.
Even while incarcerated, modeling agents reached out and forecasts of his future income began making news. By early 2017, the “hot felon” walked New York Fashion Week for Philipp Plein, marking a hard pivot from cellblocks to catwalks.
Today, at 41, Meeks presents a carefully composed look. Close-cropped hair, gym-honed build, and immaculate grooming give him more of a fashion entrepreneur image than a former inmate.
Industry outlets have chronicled his runway breakout and steady bookings with brands like Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger, cementing a polished and confident persona.
His career has also expanded beyond modeling. In 2019, he signed a reported $15 million collaboration with Germany’s Fashion Concept GmbH to develop his own clothing collection.
The deal elevated him from model-for-hire to brand owner and businessman. What has not changed is the sharp contrast between his polished present and troubled past.
He has also documented his journey in print. His memoir, Model Citizen: The Autobiography of Jeremy Meeks, was released in December 2024.
The 320-page book traces his life of violence, poverty, and redemption, accompanied by dozens of full-color photos showcasing his transformation.
“I’m in a place in my life where I am extremely vulnerable and want to tell my story, the whole story,” he said while promoting the book.
Meeks’ transformation extends beyond appearance. In a 2025 red carpet interview, he revealed that he has been celibate for three years, explaining that he wants to avoid distractions while focusing on his goals and advocacy work.
The confession surprised fans who still associate him with the viral attention that made him famous.
So what does “America’s hottest felon” look like now? The same striking features remain, but they are now paired with crisp suits, confident posture, and a purpose-driven approach.
His Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes shoots, charity projects, and film sets, offering glimpses into a life rebuilt from the ground up.
Meeks is now balancing modeling, acting, fashion design, and even exploring music. He has also launched advocacy initiatives to help young people avoid gangs and incarceration, using his platform to promote rehabilitation and second chances.
The mugshot that once defined him has been replaced by a self-made portrait of reinvention.
For a man who was once known only for his looks, Jeremy Meeks’ latest image reflects something far more powerful: control, purpose, and redemption.
Featured Image Credit: (Bored Panda)
