Patricia Krentcil is a woman who rose to internet fame for all the wrong reasons. Her obsession with tanning nearly cost her life, yet it was not until she was involved in a controversial incident that the world took notice. For years, Patricia maintained a rigorous tanning routine, visiting salons five times a week to achieve the bronzed look she loved.

Though her passion for tanning started early in life, Patricia remained relatively unknown until 2012, when she was accused of endangering her 6-year-old daughter’s welfare. The story quickly went viral, making headlines across the country. According to CBS New York, authorities alleged that she had taken her young daughter to a tanning salon, causing the child to suffer burns. The incident sparked outrage and led to her being dubbed “Tan Mom” by the media.

Patricia, however, strongly denied the allegations, insisting that she never took her daughter, Anna, inside the tanning booth. When asked about the accusations, she firmly responded, “No, not at all, not at all, not whatsoever.”

According to ABC News, New Jersey law prohibits minors under 14 from using tanning services. Children over 14 may tan only with parental consent. The case against Patricia gained traction after a school nurse noticed minor burns on Anna’s skin and inquired about them. When asked how she got the burns, Anna reportedly said, “I go tanning with mommy.”

Patricia countered this claim by explaining that her daughter had gotten sunburned while playing outside on a sunny day. “There’s not enough space in the booth for her. I would never allow that to happen. It didn’t occur,” she insisted. “She never went inside. The weather was nice, and they played in the kiddie pool. She has red hair, so she burned from the sun.”

Despite her efforts to clear her name, the media ran with the story, and Patricia became a household name overnight. Her deeply tanned appearance only fueled public scrutiny, with many questioning her obsession with tanning. Dermatologists even weighed in on the matter. Dr. Doris Day, a New York dermatologist, told ABC News that Patricia likely suffered from a condition called “tanorexia,” a compulsive addiction to tanning. “People with tanorexia don’t realize just how dark their skin has become,” she explained. “There’s really no justification for taking a young child to a tanning salon.”

Dr. Joshua Zeichner echoed these concerns in an interview with the NY Daily News, stating, “In my years as a dermatologist, I have never encountered anything quite like this. Tanning excessively—up to twenty times a month—is alarming, especially given the public awareness of tanning bed risks and skin cancer.” He added that Patricia’s addiction might require psychological treatment alongside skincare interventions.

Despite the uproar, Patricia was acquitted of all charges in 2013. However, the damage had been done. The public continued to criticize her parenting, and she faced relentless media scrutiny. The pressure took a toll on her, and she eventually turned to alcohol to cope. Seeking a fresh start, she and her family relocated from New Jersey to Florida.

Rather than shying away from the spotlight, Patricia decided to capitalize on her newfound fame. With five children and an unemployed husband, she saw an opportunity to monetize her notoriety. She announced plans to write a book, star in a biographical film, and even claimed to have received several modeling offers.

Reflecting on her moment of infamy, Patricia confidently stated, “It’s not even close to being over. Everybody wants me.” She also revealed that she was considering moving her family elsewhere due to the numerous opportunities she had.

However, her struggles were far from over. In 2019, Patricia suffered a severe health crisis. She went into cardiac arrest and was diagnosed with acute pneumonia, pancreatitis, and a dangerous lung infection. Her condition was critical, and doctors put her on powerful antibiotics to combat the infection. At one point, her friend Adam Barta told US Weekly, “Her body is being pushed to its limits by the treatments, but last night, she showed signs of improvement. If she continues to recover, doctors plan to extubate and resuscitate her soon.”

Luckily, Patricia pulled through, and today, she is doing much better. While her health scare forced her to make some changes, she hasn’t completely given up tanning. She still maintains her bronzed look by using her own tanning bed twice a day.

Interestingly, Patricia once found the nickname “Tan Mom” offensive, but over time, she has learned to embrace it. “It doesn’t bother me anymore,” she told The Post in April 2021. “There’s Patricia Marie, the mom, and then there’s Tan Mom, the celebrity.”

Recently, Patricia shared a new photo of herself, revealing the lasting effects of her years of tanning. While her skin bears the marks of excessive exposure, she remains unapologetic about her lifestyle choices.

Her story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme tanning, media scrutiny, and the impact of viral fame. What do you think about Patricia’s tanning obsession? Share your thoughts in the comments below!