B.J. Penn, a UFC Hall of Famer, faced his third arrest in six days on May 30 2025 in Hawaii for failing to appear in court, violating his bail terms. A judge rejected his restraining order request against his mother, Lorraine Shin, who secured one against him, citing mental health concerns.
Penn, born December 13, 1978, in Hilo, Hawaii, holds a 16-14-2 MMA record. Debuting in 2001, he won the UFC lightweight title in 2004 and welterweight title in 2008, one of nine fighters to hold belts in two divisions, per UFC.com. He won the 2000 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship as the first non-Brazilian black belt champion.
His last UFC fight was a loss to Clay Guida at UFC 237 in May 2019. Released from UFC in 2019, Penn faced prior legal issues, including a 2015 assault charge and a 2021 DUI arrest.
Arrests and Restraining Order Issues
On May 25 2025, Penn was arrested for allegedly shoving Shin against a car during a dispute over stolen mail. Released on $2000 bail, he was arrested again on May 26 for returning to Shin’s home, breaching a 48-hour stay-away order.
On May 30, Penn missed a court hearing, claiming illness from COVID, but the judge issued a bench warrant, leading to his third arrest, per KHON2. He was released on bail again.
Penn sought a restraining order against Shin, alleging she was an impostor stealing his assets, but the judge denied it on May 30, his second denial after April 7 2025.
Shin obtained a temporary restraining order against Penn on May 20 2025, approved by Judge Jeffrey Ng, requiring him to stay 100 feet away for 180 days. She alleged “extreme psychological abuse,” claiming Penn believed she was an impostor who killed his family.
Shin stated, “I believe my son B.J. Penn is suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome,” a disorder involving belief that loved ones are impostors, per MMA Fighting. She reported Penn stole her purse, glued her deadbolt, and taped her security cameras.
Penn posted an Instagram video on May 17 2025, calling Shin an “identity thief,” supporting his claims. Forensic psychologist Marvin Acklin said Capgras syndrome is rare, often tied to brain damage, per Hawaii News Now.
During his May 26 arrest, Penn said, “How can I be under arrest for harassment? This is my house,” per MMA Fighting. He denied wrongdoing in an online video.
Shin alleged Penn grabbed her arms and shoved her on May 25, causing pain, prompting her to call for her son Reagan. She requested medical treatment for Penn.
Shin’s restraining order lasts until at least June 10 2025, pending a hearing. Violating it risks a misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail.
Penn faces ongoing legal issues, including a civil suit and a restraining order from his former partner Shealen Uaiwa until 2030, per Pulse Sports. He’s unbooked, with no UFC plans.
This situation underscores challenges for the former champion.
