A Hawaii judge extended a temporary restraining order against UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn, requiring him to leave the home he shares with his mother, Lorraine Shin. The ruling, issued on June 10, 2025, in Hilo Family Court, follows Shin’s allegations of family abuse. The 79-year-old filed the order on May 27, 2025, citing safety concerns.
Penn, a former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, faces ongoing legal troubles. This court decision marks a significant development in his personal challenges.
Penn’s Recent Legal Issues
Shin reported incidents prompting the restraining order. On May 25, 2025, police alleged Penn took his mother’s mail and pushed her against a vehicle, leading to his arrest for family abuse. The next day, he was arrested again for violating a 48-hour police order to stay away. On May 30, 2025, a third arrest followed for missing a court hearing and breaching bail terms.
On June 12, 2025, Penn was arrested a fourth time for entering the home, violating the restraining order. He was released on $3,000 bail on June 13, 2025, with a court appearance set for that day. Shin believes Penn suffers from Capgras delusional syndrome, where someone thinks a loved one is an impostor. She requested a six-month order and medical treatment for her son. The judge extended the order until November 23, 2025, with a hearing scheduled for June 24, 2025
BJ Penn’s MMA Career
Born in Kailua, Hawaii, BJ Penn earned a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in three years. He debuted in the UFC in 2001, defeating Joey Gilbert by knockout. In 2004, he won the UFC welterweight title against Matt Hughes at UFC 46. Penn claimed the lightweight title in 2008, defending it against Joe Stevenson, Sean Sherk, and Kenny Florian.
Competing across weight classes, he faced Georges St-Pierre and Lyoto Machida. His UFC record is 16-14-2. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015, Penn retired in 2019 after losing to Clay Guida at UFC 237.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
Beyond the restraining order, Penn faces other legal issues. On May 21, 2025, a judge awarded $376,480 in damages to a man Penn accused of impersonating Hawaii’s governor in a defamation lawsuit. Penn did not respond in the civil case, leading to the ruling.
On May 20, 2025, a separate restraining order protected a woman and her two children from Penn. On April 7, 2025, Penn’s request for a restraining order against his mother was denied due to lack of evidence. His two oldest daughters and their mother also hold a five-year protection order against him.
The restraining order prohibits Penn from being within 100 feet of his mother. Non-compliance risks further arrests, as seen in his recent violations. The June 24, 2025, hearing may address the order’s terms or breaches.
Penn’s legal team has not spoken publicly. His recent social media posts, including a video of an arrest, have raised questions about his well-being. As a former champion and 2022 Hawaii gubernatorial candidate, Penn’s troubles contrast with his past success.
