Leighton Meester comes from a troubled family; her parents were drug smugglers for a Jamaican drug cartel. Her mother became pregnant with her while on parole and was sentenced to a ten year sentence. She was pregnant with Leighton for months in prison before giving birth to her in Marcos Island, Florida, while staying at a half-way home. She then returned to prison to serve out another sixteen months before release.

Leighton Meester lived in New York City from age 11, growing up with her aunt and getting jobs as a model in the Tri-state area. She also began to expand her acting chops, first appearing on Law & Order and later on the shows Numb3rs, House M.D, and Entourage. Her first major part, however, was on the popular show Gossip Girl, where she plays the conniving and rich Blair Waldorf. The role has earned her much critical success, opening the door for her to future roles such as the movie Date Night with Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. She has also become a more prominent model, securing a spokesmodel role for Reebok and Clearasil as well as the Korean brand ASK Enquired.

In early 2009, rumors began circulating that there was a sex tape of hers leaked the public, and the rumors have become confirmed as a bidding war has erupted in Los Angeles over the rights to the film. The sex video is slated to be released in the latter half of 2009.