BJ Penn, a UFC Hall of Famer, faced his fourth arrest in less than two weeks on June 12, 2025, in Hilo, Hawaii, for violating a temporary restraining order filed by his mother, Lorraine Shin. Hawaii County police reported the incident, releasing Penn on $3,000 bail with a court date set for June 13, 2025.
Penn took to Instagram to dismiss prosecutors’ calls for a court-ordered mental health exam, asserting his mental stability despite mounting legal and personal issues.
Penn’s Public Statement
Penn rejected the idea of a mental health evaluation.
“Mental health test my ass,” he wrote on Instagram. “You don’t have to be Albert Einstein to pass a mental health exam. To beat a mental health exam just don’t say that you’re depressed and feel like committing suicide or that you drink every day or do substances every day and ‘BOOM’ you’re not crazy.”
His post responded to prosecutors’ concerns about his mental state, fueled by his recent arrests and behavior.
Born in Kailua, Hawaii, on December 13, 1978, Penn began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at 17. Known as “The Prodigy,” he debuted in the UFC in 2001, achieving a 16-14-2 record. Penn won the welterweight title in 2004 against Matt Hughes and the lightweight title in 2008 against Joe Stevenson, becoming one of three fighters to hold UFC titles in two divisions.
His career waned after a 2011 loss to Nick Diaz, leading to a seven-fight losing streak. Penn’s final bout was a unanimous decision loss to Clay Guida at UFC 237 in May 2019. He joined the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015.
Penn’s legal troubles intensified in 2025. On May 25, he was arrested for “offensive physical contact” in a household abuse case, released on $2,000 bail. Arrests followed on May 29 and May 31 for violating bail conditions and missing a court appearance, tied to domestic abuse charges.
The June 12 arrest occurred after Penn entered a Puueo Street residence in Hilo, breaching Shin’s restraining order, which alleged physical assault and psychological abuse, including an incident causing back pain.
Court Proceedings
During a June 13 hearing in Hilo family court, Penn admitted violating the restraining order, prompting prosecutors to request a mental health exam. Legal analyst Megan Kau noted this admission could impact his case. The court extended the restraining order to November 23, 2025, ordering Penn to stay 100 feet from Shin.
Penn’s claim in court that Shin is not his mother raised further questions about his mental health, aligning with his social media posts.
Penn’s actions have worried the MMA community. Former Bellator champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane emphasized brain health, stating, “We really need to take care of our brains.”
Robbie Lawler, on The Ariel Helwani Show, urged fighters to prioritize self-care, saying, “You need to be conscious of taking care of yourself year-round,” indirectly addressing Penn’s struggles.
Penn’s Instagram posts have intensified scrutiny. He claimed his family was “murdered and replaced by imposters,” a belief he repeated in court. On June 11, he wrote, “We are all one. Only lies separate us,” suggesting unity but adding to concerns about his well-being.
Shin’s court filings detailed “extreme psychological abuse,” including Penn shining a flashlight in her eyes and pushing her against a vehicle.
Penn faces a court date on June 20, 2025, for pending charges. Prosecutors may push for a mental health exam, given his admissions and behavior. The extended restraining order complicates his family relationships, as Shin’s allegations highlight ongoing tension.
The MMA community continues to support Penn, hoping he addresses his challenges while respecting his legacy as a pioneering fighter.
