From Jail to Fame: The Wild Obsession with the 'Hot Felon' Uncovered

Jeremy Meeks reflects on the unexpected attention and challenges he faced after his mugshot went viral in 2014

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:08am

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Jeremy Meeks, the former Crips gang member who became known as the 'Hot Felon' after his mugshot went viral in 2014, recently opened up about the whirlwind of attention and challenges he faced in the aftermath. Meeks, now 42, said he was receiving hundreds of letters and explicit photos daily, with people even trying to claim his limited visitation slots at the Sacramento County Jail where he was serving time. The global recognition soon became overwhelming as strangers showed up unannounced, preventing Meeks from seeing his young son. Meeks also faced issues with correction officers during his incarceration, alleging he was 'beaten' due to jealousy over his newfound fame.

Why it matters

Meeks' story highlights the unexpected consequences of viral fame, especially for those with criminal pasts. His experience sheds light on the difficulties of maintaining family connections and personal well-being while incarcerated, as well as the potential for abuse of power by correctional officers. The 'Hot Felon' phenomenon also raises broader questions about society's fascination with attractive criminals and the potential for that to overshadow more meaningful criminal justice reform discussions.

The details

After Meeks' mugshot was shared by the Stockton Police Department on Facebook in 2014, he was inundated with attention, receiving up to 300 letters per day. This included explicit photos and money orders from admirers. However, the global recognition soon became overwhelming, as strangers began claiming his limited visitation slots at the Sacramento County Jail where he was serving time for possession of a firearm and resisting arrest. Meeks said the strict visitation policies made it difficult for his family to see him, as random visitors would show up unannounced and refuse to leave, preventing his young son from visiting. Meeks also alleged he faced abuse from correction officers during his incarceration, claiming they 'beat the s*** out of him' due to jealousy over his newfound fame.

  • In 2014, Meeks' mugshot went viral after being shared by the Stockton Police Department on Facebook.
  • Meeks was serving a 13-month sentence for possession of a firearm and resisting arrest in 2015-2016.
  • Meeks welcomed his first son, Jeremy Jr., during his decade-long marriage to Melissa Meeks, which ended amicably in 2018.
  • Meeks had a two-year relationship with Topshop heiress Chloe Green, with whom he had a second son, Jayden, before they split in 2019.

The players

Jeremy Meeks

A former Crips gang member who became known as the 'Hot Felon' after his mugshot went viral in 2014, leading to a modeling career and fame.

Melissa Meeks

Meeks' ex-wife, with whom he had his first son, Jeremy Jr., during their decade-long marriage that ended amicably in 2018.

Chloe Green

Topshop heiress who had a two-year relationship with Meeks, with whom she had a second son, Jayden, before they split in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“I was probably getting 300 letters a day, and it was just too much. I'm getting naked pictures, I'm getting money orders. All kind of money's being sent in”

— Jeremy Meeks, Former Crips gang member and 'Hot Felon'

“They're like, 'Well, I'm still taking your visit. You can deny it, but I'm still going to take your visit for the week.' So now my family can't come because I got f***ing random people coming to see me and it was so frustrating”

— Jeremy Meeks, Former Crips gang member and 'Hot Felon'

“I understand that and thank you. But my son's five years old and he doesn't understand why I'm not home and he needs to see me. And so I'm just going to ask that you please don't come back. Write me.”

— Jeremy Meeks, Former Crips gang member and 'Hot Felon'

The takeaway

Meeks' experience highlights the complex and often unexpected consequences of viral fame, especially for those with criminal pasts. His story sheds light on the challenges of maintaining family connections and personal well-being while incarcerated, as well as the potential for abuse of power by correctional officers. The 'Hot Felon' phenomenon also raises broader questions about society's fascination with attractive criminals and the need for more meaningful discussions around criminal justice reform.