What Happened to “Tan Mom”? Patricia Krentcil’s Journey from Scandal to Survival

The Viral Tanning Obsession

In 2012, Patricia Krentcil, later dubbed “Tan Mom,” went viral after being charged with child endangerment. Obsessed with tanning, she reportedly visited salons up to five times a week. Her appearance shocked the public and sparked debate around tanorexia—an unhealthy addiction to tanning.

The Controversial Incident

The media frenzy began when Krentcil allegedly brought her 6-year-old daughter into a tanning booth, leading to minor burns. Though Patricia denied the accusation, saying her daughter got sunburned outdoors, authorities charged her with child endangerment. A grand jury eventually refused to indict her, and she was cleared in 2013.

Fame Becomes a Curse

Despite being cleared, Patricia couldn’t escape public scrutiny. Mocked by celebrities and featured in sketches on SNL, she became a household name for the wrong reasons. Paparazzi followed her, and her children were bullied at school. To escape the chaos, her family relocated to Tampa, Florida.

From Rock Bottom to Reinvention

Fame took a toll. Krentcil struggled with alcohol and stress, and in 2019, she nearly d**d from complications related to pneumonia, pancreatitis, and cardiac a**est. On life support and in critical condition, her survival sh0cked even her doctors. Against the odds, Patricia pulled through.

Still Tanning, But With Perspective

Now in her 50s, Patricia continues to tan—but more moderately. She tans twice a week in her personal bed and maintains her signature look. “There’s Tan Mom, the celebrity, and then there’s Patricia Marie, the mom,” she told the New York Post in 2021. Despite criticism, she says she’s learned to embrace her identity.

Her Next Chapter

Following her recovery, Krentcil revealed plans for a movie, a book, and even a tanning lotion line called “Real Tan Mom Healthy Glow.” Though her viral moment was painful, she sees it as an opportunity to build something new—and perhaps educate others about self-image, fame, and addiction.

What do you think—should tanning salons be banned, or is personal choice key? Share your thoughts and spread the story.