Once celebrated as a UFC pioneer and double-division champion, BJ Penn now faces serious legal consequences stemming from a family dispute. The long-running controversy recently escalated into arrests, troubling allegations, and restraining orders.
BJ Penn Arrested After Harassment Allegations and Family Conflict
BJ Penn was arrested in Hilo, Hawaii, on Sunday after being charged with abuse of a family or household member. The incident quickly drew public attention when Penn posted a video of his arrest on Instagram. The footage showed police entering his room and informing him of the charges, which he initially questioned before complying.
The arrest stemmed from a series of disturbing domestic disputes, according to multiple reports. The most serious involved his mother, Lorraine Shin, who filed for a restraining order citing escalating psychological and physical abuse. Shin claimed Penn had accused her of being an impostor who murdered his real mother and took over her life, behavior she described as “extreme psychological abuse.”
The restraining order, approved by Judge Jeffrey Ng, prohibits Penn from coming within 100 feet of his mother or 100 yards of her workplace or residence. He is also barred from any form of communication with her or individuals living with her. A court hearing has been scheduled for June 10 to determine whether the order will be extended.
BJ Penn Could Face Jail Time If Restraining Order Is Violated
Violation of the order could lead to serious consequences for Penn. Under Hawaii law, ignoring the restrictions would qualify as a misdemeanor offense, carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Penn’s legal troubles worsened after a second arrest, just a day after the first. According to police reports, Penn violated the 48-hour no-contact directive by returning to the home, an incident allegedly captured on video. Shin submitted that footage as evidence.
In her formal complaint, Shin said Penn had previously removed her personal belongings, tampered with security systems, and physically intimidated her during a confrontation over stolen mail. She described incidents in which he glued deadbolts shut and taped over security cameras to block surveillance.
Alongside the legal claims, Shin expressed concern over her son’s mental health, telling police she believes he is suffering from Capgras syndrome—a mental health disorder where the patient believes identical imposters have replaced close relatives. She requested that the court mandate Penn undergo a psychiatric evaluation or treatment.
Despite his fall from grace, Penn remains a revered figure in MMA history. A former lightweight and welterweight champion, he’s one of only a few fighters to hold titles in multiple divisions. His last appearance in the UFC came in 2019.
