The Real Story of Melissa Meeks, Jeremy Meeks’ Famous Ex-Wife

You may have heard about Jeremy Meeks, the man once called the “Hot Felon” after his mugshot went viral in 2014. But do you know the full story of Melissa Meeks, the woman who was married to him before all the fame?

Melissa isn’t just Jeremy Meeks’ ex-wife. She’s a nurse, a TV personality, a mother, and a strong woman who went through a lot in the public eye. In this article, we’ll explore her full story—from her early life to her marriage, the public breakup, and the life she’s living today in 2025.

Let’s take a closer look at the real Melissa Meeks.

Melissa Meeks Quick Bio

Who Is Melissa Meeks?

Melissa Meeks is an American woman who became widely known after her husband, Jeremy Meeks, became famous for his mugshot. But her life is more than just that one connection.

She works as a registered nurse, has appeared on reality TV, and is now working on her own business. Melissa has gone through many ups and downs, but she always kept going. She is strong, smart, and always looking to grow.

Even though people often recognize her as Jeremy Meeks’ ex-wife, Melissa has created her own identity and is living life on her own terms.

Early Life and Education

Melissa Meeks was born on July 14, 1980, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up with her sister, Michelle Curl, in a normal American family. She always had big dreams and worked hard from a young age.

She later went to the University of Phoenix, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Becoming a nurse wasn’t easy, but she pushed through and built a career that helped her support her family.

Melissa has always loved travel and photography. She once shared that she loves exploring the world and trying new things. That shows just how open and adventurous she really is.

Melissa Meeks and Jeremy Meeks’ Marriage

Melissa and Jeremy Meeks got married in 2008, long before Jeremy became an internet sensation. At the time, their life was simple. Melissa worked as a nurse, and Jeremy was still trying to figure out his path.

They had a child together—Jeremy Ray Meeks Jr.—and Melissa also had two kids from a previous relationship. Their family life was like many others. They faced normal struggles, but they stayed together for years.

Everything changed in 2014, when Jeremy was arrested. His mugshot was posted on Facebook—and the photo went viral. People called him the “Hot Felon,” and modeling agencies started calling. Their private life was no longer private.

The Viral Mugshot and Betrayal

When Jeremy’s mugshot became famous, it changed both of their lives. Suddenly, Jeremy was being offered modeling jobs and fame. Melissa stood by him through his time in prison and supported him.

But things got worse in 2017. Melissa was blindsided when she saw photos of Jeremy kissing another woman—Chloe Green, the daughter of the billionaire behind Topshop. The photos were taken on a yacht in Turkey and spread all over the internet.

Melissa later shared that she had no idea about the affair. Someone sent her the photo in a message, and she felt shocked, hurt, and embarrassed. She described it as a moment when her “whole world was blown apart.”

Divorce from Jeremy Meeks, What Really Happened

After the photos came out, Melissa met with Jeremy and told him she didn’t think the marriage could be saved. He agreed. The two filed for divorce soon after, and it became official in June 2018.

Melissa spoke to the media and shared how painful it all was. But even through the heartbreak, she stayed focused on doing what was best for her kids. The couple agreed to joint legal custody of their son, but Melissa got primary physical custody.

Even though it was a public and painful breakup, Melissa handled it with grace. She made it clear that co-parenting and her son’s happiness were the most important things.

Melissa Meeks’ Divorce Party and Media Spotlight

Instead of hiding away, Melissa decided to celebrate her new chapter. On June 30, 2018, she held a big divorce party at Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas. There was a banner that said “Free at Last”, and her cake was shaped like handcuffs with the words “Ex Con 2 Ex Wife.”

The party was bold, fun, and full of energy. It showed how Melissa wanted to take her power back and move forward. She also did interviews with Us Weekly, Extra, and others, where she spoke about healing, growth, and staying positive.

Melissa showed everyone that she wasn’t going to let heartbreak break her. She turned the pain into power—and made headlines for it.

Melissa Meeks’ Life Today

Melissa Meeks didn’t stop after the divorce. She focused on herself, her family, and her future. She stayed in Oakland, California, but is now planning to move to Los Angeles to start something new.

She is currently single and not rushing into anything. Instead, she’s working on personal growth and planning to open her own IV hydration wellness business in LA.

Melissa is also active on Instagram, where she shares selfies, life updates, and messages of strength. Her fans support her journey, and she continues to inspire others by showing how to bounce back after hard times.

Melissa Meeks’ Career

After her divorce, Melissa Meeks didn’t slow down. She stayed focused on her career and started exploring new paths. Before all the media attention, she worked as a nurse at a juvenile detention center in Oakland, California. Helping others was always a big part of her life.

Later, Melissa joined the world of reality TV. She became a cast member on BET’s reality show After Happily Ever After. On the show, she shared her journey and life after marriage. Viewers got to see a new side of her—real, honest, and strong.

Now in 2025, Melissa is planning her next big move. She wants to open an IV hydration wellness business in Los Angeles. This shows how she is using her medical skills in a fresh, modern way. She’s turning her experience into something that helps others feel better and live well.

How Melissa Meeks Transformed Her Look

Melissa Meeks also went through a big personal makeover. After her split from Jeremy Meeks, she decided it was time for some changes—on the inside and the outside.

She visited Dr. Michael Obeng, a well-known plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Melissa shared photos from her visits online and was open about getting fillers, a nose job, and some work on her lips. She looked confident and happy in her photos, showing that this was something she truly wanted for herself.

Some people get nervous about talking about cosmetic work, but Melissa embraced it. She used it as a way to feel good again. Her glow-up became part of her healing journey. She showed the world that change is okay, and self-love comes in many forms.

All About Melissa Meeks’ Children and Family Life

Melissa Meeks is a proud mother of three children. She has two children—Robert Ramirez and Eli Anna Ramirez—from her first marriage, and one son—Jeremy Ray Meeks Jr.—with Jeremy Meeks.

She spends a lot of time with her kids and keeps them close to her heart. Even though her life became public, she always protected her children and gave them a stable home. Her son with Jeremy still sees both parents, and they share legal custody.

Melissa and Jeremy work together to co-parent their son. She once said that being a good parent is more important than anything else. That shows how strong and loving she is, even after all the pain.

Is Melissa Meeks Dating Again? Her Love Life Now

After such a public breakup, many people wonder if Melissa Meeks has found love again. The answer is no—she’s currently single.

Melissa is not in a rush to date. She has said that she’s focused on her personal goals, her kids, and her business plans. Right now, she’s enjoying her freedom and building the life she wants.

She’s using this time to grow and learn more about herself. Sometimes, being single is exactly what a person needs—and Melissa is showing that with strength and grace.

Melissa Meeks Net Worth and Future Plans

As of 2025, Melissa Meeks has an estimated net worth of $3 million. She made money from her work as a nurse, her time on TV, her modeling appearances, and her business projects.

But money isn’t the only thing on her mind. Her biggest focus is her wellness business, which she plans to grow in Los Angeles. She wants to help others feel strong and healthy, just like she learned to do for herself.

Melissa Meeks is ready for whatever comes next. She is using her story to inspire other women to move forward, no matter what life throws their way.

Final Thoughts

The name Melissa Meeks often comes with the title “Jeremy Meeks’ ex-wife,” but there’s so much more to her than that.

She’s a mother, a nurse, a businesswoman, a reality TV star, and a woman who never gave up—even when life got messy. From heartbreak to healing, she showed us all what it means to stand up, stay strong, and start again.

Her journey is one of strength, change, and self-love. And today in 2025, Melissa Meeks is no longer just the ex-wife of the “Hot Felon.” She’s her own woman—with a real story that’s worth telling.

(FAQs)

How much money does Melissa Meeks have?

Melissa Meeks is worth about $3 million. That surprises a lot of people because she didn’t get rich from her ex—she earned it herself through nursing, TV shows, modeling, and business.

How old is Melissa Meeks, and when was she born?

She was born on July 14, 1980, which makes her 45 years old. People often think she’s younger, especially after her big glow-up.

Does Melissa Meeks have kids?

Yes, she has three kids—two from her first marriage (Robert and Eli Anna) and one with Jeremy Meeks (Jeremy Jr.). Many people don’t know she’s a full-time mom of three.

Did Melissa Meeks get married again? And where does she live now?

No, Melissa didn’t remarry after Jeremy. She’s single and focusing on herself. She lives in Oakland, California right now but is planning to move to Los Angeles to start her own wellness business.

Who are Melissa Meeks’ parents?

Melissa hasn’t shared much about her parents. That might surprise some people, since she’s open about a lot—but when it comes to family, she keeps some things private.

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