The world’s “hottest crim” is turning his life around
Jeremy Meeks has modelled at New York Fashion Week and has a legion of fans – despite a history of violent crime
dubbed the “hot D felon,” ex-convict and aspiring model Jeremy Meeks made headlines last week when he was banned from entering the UK.
The former gang member – who was scheduled to take part in a series of photo shoots – was reportedly held at London’s Heathrow airport for eight hours last Tuesday before being deported back to the States.
He said of the incident: “I’m very, very sad and confused.”
Speaking to Closer, his mum Katherine, 62, says: “I’m so proud of how he dealt with it; he was so calm. He’d like to come back to the UK but he’s nervous about it happening again.”
Jeremy became an overnight sensation after his mugshot was posted on Facebook in 2014 by the police following his arrest in California for gun possession.
Between 2002 and 2014, Jeremy, 33, was arrested five times on charges including grand theft and gun possession. He was sentenced to more than four years in prison.
VIRAL MUGSHOT
The image of his piercing blue eyes and chiselled cheekbones went viral and, upon his release in 2016, Jeremy was snapped up by a US modelling agency – despite his tear-shaped tattoo underneath his left eye, which is usually a sign someone has committed murder.
However, Jeremy – who made his catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week in February – has refused to comment on his controversial tattoo, saying there were some things he was “not proud of.”
PENT-UP ANGER
Jeremy, who has a seven-yearold son with his nurse wife, Melissa, is hoping his career will keep him out of trouble.
Speaking last week, Jeremy said: “I heard all my life, ‘You’re so handsome, you have the most beautiful eyes...’ I still had a father in prison... As a kid I had a lot of pent-up anger.”
Katherine tells Closer: “Jeremy was mischievous growing up but he was a good boy. I was worried when he got into crime, but I’m proud of how he’s turned his life around. He’s got a good heart.”
Jeremy now lives with Melissa, his son, and Melissa’s two children from a previous
relationship – and insists he’s a changed man.
He explains: “I’m a family man, I’m a father... I’m a Godfearing man, a Christian.”